← Back to archive

Fallacy name of jumping from definition of x to "x doesn't exist"?

Historical archive only. New interaction is disabled.

Original Question
I'm in a debate class, and we're doing a logical fallacy unit. Basically, we need to make an argument with logical fallacies (not factual inconsistencies) and point them out in our partner's. In my case, our resolution is Resolved: Men are Men. I'm con; men are not men. One of my arguments is as follows;

1.(Illogical quote that states men are women).
2. Men are women.
3. Because men are defined as women, men don't exist.

I want to know what the fallacy between 2 and 3 is. Why is jumping from a definition to 'men don't exist' fallacious?


Answers

1
This seems like a logical error, not a problem with reasoning per se. If A = B then A does not exist only if B does not exist . If B exists, then A must exist. Saying A does not exist can be seen as a non-sequitur by saying that it simply does not follow.
Book

Want the full book?

Get the complete guide to logical fallacies by Bo Bennett.

Buy the Book

Master Logical Fallacies Online

Take the Virversity course and sharpen your reasoning skills with structured lessons.

View Online Course