| dsaklad@zurich.csail.mit.edu 2005-04-20, 8:45 am |
| Cedarblom and Paulsen: 86, Copi and Cohen: 96
By Stephen Downes
http://www.datanation.com/fallacies/distract/cq.htm
Stephen's Guide
Complex Question
Definition:
Two otherwise unrelated points are conjoined and treated as a single
proposition.
The reader is expected to accept or reject both together, when in
reality one is acceptable while the other is not.
A complex question is an illegitimate use of the "and" operator.
Examples:
(i) You should support home education and the God-given right of
parents to raise their children according to their own beliefs.
(ii) Do you support freedom and the right to bear arms?
(iii) Have you stopped using illegal sales practises?
(This asks two questions:
did you use illegal practises, and
did you stop?)
Proof:
Identify the two propositions illegitimately conjoined and show that
believing one does not mean that you have to believe the other.
References:
Cedarblom and Paulsen: 86, Copi and Cohen: 96
http://www.datanation.com/fallacies/distract/cq.htm
By Stephen Downes
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