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Definition:
An existential fallacy is a formal logical fallacy which is committed when a categorical
syllogism employs two universal premises to arrive at a particular conclusion. Because
it is a formal fallacy, such a categorical syllogism is invalid. The form of this
syllogism is:
All P are Q.
All X are P.
Therefore, some X are Q.
The two premises are universal (All...) whereas the conclusion is particular (Some...). In some cases, it may seem like such an argument should be valid. For example:
All mammals are animals.
All cats are mammals.
Therefore, some cats are animals.
Part of the problem here is that all cats are mammals, not some. But the real error lies in the fact that the class of X above may be a class without any members. For example:
All spirits are supernatural beings.
All gods are spirits.
Therefore, some gods are supernatural.
If the category "gods" has no members, then the above syllogism cannot establish the truth of the claim that some gods are supernatural. In a categorical syllogism, if the two premises are universal, then the conclusion must also be universal.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Epistemology?
Epistemology is the investigation into the grounds and nature of knowledge itself. Epistemological studies are usually focused upon our means for acquiring knowledge, and as a consequence, modern epistemology generally involves a debate between rationalism and empiricism, or the question of whether knowledge can be acquired a priori or a posteriori.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
