Question

The University is the temple of learning, and therefore, politics has no place in it.

It involves the fallacy of

1. Ignoratio elenchi
2. Four terms
3. Bad analogy
4. Division

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Ignoratio elenchi

The correct answer is Ignoratio Elenchi.

• Ignoratio Elenchi:
  • It is also called the fallacy of Irrelevant Conclusion.
  • This fallacy reaches a conclusion but misses the point in question.
  • Example: Elephants can't be so dangerous to humans, because they are so calm and look so cute.

• Bad analogy:
  • ​It is also called False Analogy.
  • In this fallacy, if objects A and B have quality C in common, they must also have a quality D in common.
• 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.
• Four Terms:
  • Quaternion Terminorum is a Latin term meaning Fallacy of four terms.
  • This fallacy occurs when a syllogism has 4 terms rather than 3.
  • It includes statistical syllogism, hypothetical syllogism, and categorical syllogism.
  • Example: All men are robots, All robots are cars, All cars are buses.
    • In this example, there are four terms: Men, Robots, Cars, and Buses.
      • This makes the statement invalid as it requires one term common to both premises.