Question

All the works of Shakespeare cannot be read in a day. Hamlet is a work of Shakespeare. Therefore Hamlet cannot be read in a day.

This involves the fallacy of 

1. Division
2. Composition
3. Petitio principii
4. None of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Division

The correct answer is Division.

• Division:
  • It is a reverse of the Fallacy of Composition.
  • In this fallacy, what is true about whole parts of an object, then it is true for the parts of the whole.
  • Example: The boys in my neighbourhood like to play cricket. So my new neighbour, John, will like to play cricket with them.

• Petitio Principii  
  • It is also called 'Begging the Question'.
  • In this fallacy, the person assumes the conclusion is true without any proof supporting it.
  • Example: Wine cannot be injurious to health, for if it had been so doctors would not have prescribed it.
    • ​This example, says that Wine can be consumed as it doesn't have any proof of ill effects on health.
  • Composition:
    • It is the reverse of the Fallacy of Division.
    • In this fallacy, what is true or correct about some parts of an object, then it is applied to whole parts of the object.
    • Example: Because all of the components of this car are heavy, then the car itself must also be heavy.