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Logical Inconsistency
Disciplines > Argument > Fallacies > Logical Inconsistency Description | Discussion | Example | See also
DescriptionMultiple statements are given which contradict one another. These may be given together or may be separated in time. Sometimes the contradictions are rather subtle and are difficult to spot. At other times, they are obvious. If you have enough authority, then you may be able to carry this off. ExampleSim is cleverer than Jim. Jim is cleverer than Tim. Tim is cleverer than Sim. Let's all go to the football game tomorrow. My wife doesn't like football. I know you're busy. We'll all enjoy ourselves. DiscussionInconsistencies may be found in various circumstances. Often they are used in ignorance, where the person does not realize they are being inconsistent. Sometimes it is just lazy thinking. Sometimes they are used within an emotive context, where the person has lost all sense of logic and is desperately trying to prove something. Another possibility is a deliberate use of inconsistency to confuse the other person and hence distract them from the real game. Finally, sometimes people in authority deliberately contradict themselves because they know they will not be challenged and possibly as a demonstration of power. Logical inconsistency is different from personal inconsistency. Logical inconsistency is about using arguments which are not internally consistent. Personal inconsistency is about accusing others of inconsistency. ClassificationAlso known asInconsistency See alsoAppeal to Authority, Personal Inconsistency, Confusion principle
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Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
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