Illicit Minor
A formal fallacy in categorical syllogisms where the minor term is distributed in the conclusion but not in the minor premise.
THE IDEA
Illicit Minor
(also known as: illicit process of the minor term)
Description: Any form of a categorical syllogism in which the minor term is distributed in the conclusion, but not in the minor premise.
Logical Form: The general logical form is missing.
Example #1:
- All presidents are men.
- Some men are Jesus lovers.
- Therefore, some presidents are Jesus lovers.
Explanation: In our example, the minor term is “Jesus lovers”, because it is the term that appears in the minor premise (second premise) as the predicate, and in the conclusion. As such, in this position, it is “undistributed”.
Example #2:
- All dogs are mammals.
- Some mammals are Oscar winners.
- Therefore, some dogs are Oscar winners.
Explanation: In our example, the minor term is “Oscar winners”, because it is the term that appears in the minor premise (second premise) as the predicate, and in the conclusion. As such, in this position, it is “undistributed”.
Exception: None.
When to use it
Identifying fallacious reasoning in logical arguments during debates.
Teaching introduction to logic courses.
Analyzing syllogisms in philosophical texts.
Evaluating the validity of categorical syllogisms in academic writing.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Example with Jesus lovers
All presidents are men. Some men are Jesus lovers. Therefore, some presidents are Jesus lovers.
Example with Oscar winners
All dogs are mammals. Some mammals are Oscar winners. Therefore, some dogs are Oscar winners.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Why is the distribution of terms important in categorical logic?
Can you construct an example of an illicit minor fallacy?
How does the illicit minor fallacy differ from the illicit major fallacy?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies