Book contents
3 - FALLACIES OF STRUCTURE
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
Summary
Invalid Structures
A key distinction recognized in Chapter 1 had to do with problems that arise within an argument with respect to the support that the premises provide for the conclusion, and also problems that arise “externally, ” between the argument and its context or audience. The last chapter illustrated both of these problems insofar as the Straw Man, for example, can involve an argument that is internally unproblematic but is fallacious because it is irrelevant to the original position in the context. Similarly, our discussion of ignoratio elenchi pointed to the failure of premises to provide any support for the conclusion.
This chapter pursues the last concern by looking at problems that arise with the structure or form of an argument. Here, the argument is presented as if the conclusion must follow, given the truth of the premises. But in fact, because of the way terms or propositions within the argument have been organized, the conclusion does not follow from the premises. Traditionally, the claim is that such an argument is invalid, and that invalidity is explained in relation to some particular fallacy. We can see then that one of the traditional features that Hamblin ascribes to Aristotle's definition – its invalidity – is particularly relevant here.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Fallacies and Argument Appraisal , pp. 41 - 56Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2007