Question

Many people die on bed.

Do not, therefore, lie on bed.

It involves the fallacy of :

1. Non- observation and illicit generalization
2. Four terms
3. Composition
4. None of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Non- observation and illicit generalization

The correct answer is Non- observation and illicit generalization.

• Many people die on bed. Do not, therefore, lie on the bed is an example of the Fallacy of Non- observation and illicit generalization.
• Non- observation:
  • In this type of fallacy, we overlook the instances, which are relevant for the investigation.
• Illicit generalization:
  • It is also called the Hasty or Overgeneralization Fallacy.
  • In this fallacy, the person assumes the conclusion is true based on small evidence.
  • Example: Recently, some beggars in the street path looted a man. All beggars are just as clever behind innocent faces.
    • This example shows that based on one piece of evidence the person concludes all beggars as thieves and criminals.
    • Such type of fallacy must be avoided as it will be dangerous.

• 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.
• 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.