These fallacies are not classed as those of “four terms” because two terms so closely resemble each other in form, and yet they are not fallacies of ambiguous middle; since the middle terms are not identical in form.
7. FALLACIES IN THOUGHT.
The fallacies in thought arise through a tendency to assume as true that which demands further proof. Any one who is more anxious to be right than to win will make sure that nothing has been taken for granted which should receive further investigation, or that no truth has been given a presumptuous twist in order to make it fit the particular case under discussion. Because these errors in thought may be attributed chiefly to undue assumptions, we may denominate them as the fallacies of assumption.
(1) Accident.
The fallacy of accident occurs when one reasons from a general truth to an accidental case. Doctrinaires and theoretic enthusiasts are partial to this fallacy. It is so easy to lay down a general formula or remedy and then attempt to apply it to every accidental circumstance. Grandmother with her catnip tea and mustard plaster, however we may cherish the memory of the dear old soul, was nevertheless guilty of the fallacy of accident. Applying maxims and proverbs to particular instances is still another way of committing the fallacy.
EXAMPLES OF FALLACIES OF ACCIDENT.
(a) “Honesty is the best policy,” thinks the physician as he reveals the cold, hard truth to his patient and thus shortens the patient’s life.
(b) Spirituous liquor in excess acts as a poison, and therefore should not be used to resuscitate an extreme case.
(c) “What is bought in the market is eaten; raw meat is bought in the market; therefore it is eaten.”
(d) “Early to bed and early to rise makes one healthy, wealthy and wise.” I shall practice this for ten years and by that time hope to be healthy, wealthy and wise.