Use-Mention Error
A logical fallacy that occurs when one confuses the word used to describe a thing with the thing itself.
THE IDEA
Use-Mention Error
(also known as: UME)
Description: Confusing the word used to describe a thing, with the thing itself. To avoid this error, it is customary to put the word used to describe the thing in quotes. This fallacy is most common when used as an equivocation.
Logical Form: Not supplied in this excerpt.
Example #1: The words (mention), “my son”, are made up of five letters. My son (use) is made up of molecules.
Example #2: Anselm's Ontological Argument
Explanation: In premise #1, “God” (use) refers to the being – this is the whole point of Anselm’s argument. But in premise #2, he equivocates to the concept of God (mention).
The premises discussed in the second example are not reproduced here.
Exception: None.
Tip: To see how fallacious Anselm’s argument really is, check out my deconstruction of it in detail at http://www.relationshipwithreason.com/articles/religion/15-ontologically-incorrect-how-anselm-s-ontological-argument-fails
When to use it
Analyzing philosophical arguments that rely on the meaning of words.
Avoiding confusion in academic writing when discussing terms and their referents.
Clarifying debates where participants might be arguing about different interpretations of a word.
Teaching logic and critical thinking to highlight common linguistic pitfalls.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Example #1: My son
The words (mention), “my son”, are made up of five letters. My son (use) is made up of molecules.
Example #2: Anselm's Ontological Argument
In premise #1, “God” (use) refers to the being – this is the whole point of Anselm’s argument. But in premise #2, he equivocates to the concept of God (mention).
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you recall a time when you or someone else confused the word for the thing itself?
How might the use-mention error affect debates or discussions about abstract concepts?
Why is it important to distinguish between a concept and the label we give it?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies