Equivocation of Nothing/Examples
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Examples of Equivocation of Nothing
These are examples of the fallacy of Equivocation of Nothing.
The classic often-cited argument is:
- Candlelight is brighter than nothing.
- Nothing is brighter than the light from the sun.
- Therefore, candlelight is brighter than the light from the sun.
This version is given in 1982: P.M. Cohn: Algebra Volume 1 (2nd ed.):
- Any soap is better than no soap.
- No soap is better than Wonder-Bubble.
- Therefore, any soap is better than Wonder-Bubble.
This version is given in 2008: David Joyner: Adventures in Group Theory (2nd ed.):
- Time waits for no man.
- No man is an island.
- Therefore, time waits for an island.
Sources
- 1982: P.M. Cohn: Algebra Volume 1 (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Sets and mappings: $\S 1.1$: The need for logic: Exercise $(9)$
- 2008: David Joyner: Adventures in Group Theory (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Elementary, my dear Watson: $\S 1.1.1$: 'You talking to me?'