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Definition:
The quantifier shift fallacy is committed when quantifiers like some or every shift
during the progress of an argument. It is also known as Illicit Quantifier Shift.
The basic form of this fallacy is:
a. Every P bears the relation R to some X.
b. Therefore, some X bears the relation R to every P.
Thus, it is argued that because everything in some class is related in some way to some thing, then there is one particular thing which has that relationship to every member of that class. Here is an easy example that everyone should catch:
2. Every person has some moral values (premise). Therefore, there are some moral values which every person shares with everyone else (conclusion).
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is the Logic and the Philosophy of Language?
The two fields Logic and the Philosophy of Language are often treated separately, but they are nevertheless close enough that they are presented together here. Logic is the study of methods of reasoning and argumentation, both proper and improper. The Philosophy of Language, on the other hand, involves the study of how our language interacts with our thinking.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?
