Lesson 26: Equivocation

Spot the Faulty Logic #

“The sign says ‘fine for parking here.’ So I parked here. What’s wrong with parking somewhere that’s fine to park?”

Discussion: Talk with your teacher about this example. What’s tricky about the word “fine” here?

How/Why It’s Often Used #

Many words in English have multiple meanings. Arguments that switch between these meanings can seem logical on the surface while actually being nonsense. Sometimes this is done deliberately to trick people; other times it happens accidentally when people aren’t precise with their language.

Equivocation is common in jokes and puns (which deliberately play with multiple meanings), but it becomes a problem when used in serious arguments. It can make illogical arguments sound convincing.

Equivocation in Action #

Did you spot the faulty logic? #

The word “fine” has two completely different meanings: “fine” as in “acceptable/okay” and “fine” as in “a penalty fee.” The sign means there’s a penalty for parking there, not that it’s acceptable to park there!

Second Example #

“All men are created equal. Since I’m a man and you’re a woman, I was created your equal. Therefore, you weren’t created equal.”

The Flaw #

The word “men” in “all men are created equal” means “all people” or “mankind,” not specifically male humans. The argument switches between these meanings to reach an absurd conclusion.