Distinction without a difference
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Look up distinction without a difference in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
A distinction without a difference is a type of logical fallacy where an author or speaker attempts to describe a distinction between two things where no discernible difference exists.[1] It is particularly used when a word or phrase has connotations associated with it that one party to an argument prefers to avoid.
For example, a person might say "I did not lie; I merely stretched the truth a little bit."[2]
Form of the fallacy
[edit | edit source]- Claim X is made where the truth of the claim requires a distinct difference between A and B.
- There is no distinct difference between A and B.
- Therefore, claim X is incorrectly claimed to be true.
Example
[edit | edit source]In the following conversation:
- Sergio: There is no way I would ever even consider taking dancing lessons.
- Kitty: How about I ask my friend from work to teach you?
- Sergio: If you know someone who is willing to teach me how to dance, then I am willing to learn, sure.[3]
Sergio's fallacy is thinking that being taught by someone is different than taking a lesson.
See also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
