Asked by Michael Montecalvo on Jul 05, 2024

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Which of the following best describes an argument that commits the informal fallacy of equivocation?

A) an argument that fails because it relies on words that are ambiguous
B) an argument that is invalid
C) an argument that is valid but relies on a false premise
D) an argument in which a grammatical mistake allows more than one conclusion to be drawn

Equivocation

The misleading use of a term with more than one meaning or sense, by glossing over which meaning is intended at a particular time.

Ambiguous Words

Words that have more than one meaning or interpretation, leading to uncertainty or vagueness.

Grammatical Mistake

An error in the use of language rules in writing or speaking.

  • Identify and delineate diverse informal fallacies.
  • Assess the variances among fallacies connected to relevance, derived from ambiguity, and based on assumptions.
  • Perceive the function of language in leading to fallacies.
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JV
Jocelyn VelazquezJul 11, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
An argument commits the informal fallacy of equivocation when it makes use of an ambiguous word in a way that prevents it from supporting its conclusion. The following argument commits the fallacy of equivocation: "Jones went fishing at a bank. A bank is a financial institution. Therefore, Jones went fishing at a financial institution." The first use of bank is in the sense of the edge of a river, while the second use is in the sense of a special kind of financial institution. By making use of two senses of the ambiguous word "bank," the argument commits the informal fallacy of equivocation.