If someone says to you that "You are capable of earning 50% more, therefore you can earn 50% more." are they using a fallacy? what kind of fallacy is this? and what do you say to counter it in every day language?
2007-11-17 07:20:55 · 6 answers · asked by smartaffair 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Sounds like a 'hasty generalization' to me.
Just because I may be capable of earning 50% more, doesn't mean that I can because ther are many factors that could prevent me from doing so regardless of my capability.
2007-11-17 07:26:11 · answer #1 · answered by Gee Whizdom™ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if there's a name for the fallacy, but the error is in definition of the term "can." The fallacy is to assume the ambiguous term "can" always means simply "is capable of," when in fact it specifically means, "is able under the circumstances." Capable is specifically about a person's characteristics regardless of the circumstances. So the sentence, "you're capable" is a statement about YOU; it does not logically lead to a statement that includes (or specifies) the circumstances, "you can." In order for you to in fact go out and earn 50% more, this has to be an AND statement - you're capable AND you can.
2007-11-17 15:36:20 · answer #2 · answered by zilmag 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's a fallacy of begging the question or "petitio principii" because it is using the same or an equivalent proposition as both premise and conclusion, like "Whiskey causes drunkenness because it is intoxicating."
In everyday language, just say to the other person that he is begging the question, a phrase that has passed into everyday language. (Maybe he doesn't know that yet but you have the upper hand now.)
2007-11-19 08:23:23 · answer #3 · answered by Lance 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, capable means having the opportunity, and the desire, without either you are not capable, so in a sense the statement is true, as to countering a person who says this, i would ask them if they have considered all the factors that go into being capable, its not just being able to do a job that pays 50 percent more, nor is it working 50 percent more at your current job
2007-11-17 15:31:06 · answer #4 · answered by dlin333 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
circular reasoning
the author of the argument uses his premise as his conclusion
EXAMPLE: The rose is beautiful because it is pretty
2007-11-17 15:49:51 · answer #5 · answered by Wind203 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Circular tautology: A=A.
Counter: Yeah? Your point is..?
2007-11-17 16:07:17 · answer #6 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋