Unwarranted Contrast
Some Are/Some Are Not
Some Are/Some Are Not
Description:
If some B are A, some B are not A.
Example:
If some of our presidential candidates are deceitful, than some of our presidential candidates are not deceitful.
Type of Fallacy:
Fallacy of Quantificational Logic
Redefinition
Description:
Redefining a term, in and of itself, is not a fallacy. However, one should be careful in using it as one does run the risk of committing the Fallacy of Equivocation.
There are two types of redefined terms:
Low Redefinition:
In low redefinition, one redefines the term to be broader than the original definition.
Example: The word "murder" is redefined to mean "immoral killing." Suddenly, abortion and capital punishment may be included under the term.
High Redefinition:
In high redefinition, one redefines the term to be narrower than the original definition.
Example: The word "Christian" is redefined to mean "Catholic." Suddenly, the Protestants and Orthodoxies aren't considered Christian.
Obviously, the redefined words are not 'correct.' However, should all parties of the debate/discussion accept the redefinition, it is an acceptable move. The definition holds only for the particular debate.
Related Fallacies:
Fallacy of Equivocation
