Abstract
This paper argues for the validity of inferences that take the form of: A is more X than B; therefore A and B are both X. After considering representative counterexamples, it is claimed that these inferences are valid if and only if the comparative terms in the inference are taken from no more than one comparative set, where a comparative set is understood to be comprised of a positive, comparative, and superlative, represented as {X, more X than, most X}. In all instances where arguments appearing to be of this form are invalid, it is the case that the argument has fallaciously taken terms from more than one comparative set. The fallacy of appealing to more than one comparative set in an inference involving comparative terms is shown to be analogous to the fallacy of equivocation in argumentation. The paper concludes by suggesting a conflation of logical issues with grammatical issues is the core difficulty leading some to consider inferences in the form of A is more X than B; therefore A and B are X to be invalid.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Adams, E.: 1993, ‘Formalizing the Logic of Positive, Comparative, and Superlative’ Notre Dame Journal of Formal Logic 34, 90–99.
Aristotle: 1984, The Complete Works of Aristotle. The Revised Oxford Translation. Ed. Jonathan Barnes, Princeton University Press, Princeton.
Fowler, W.: 1870, The English Language in its Elements and Forms with a History of its Origin and Development, Harper & Brothers, New York.
Michael, I.: 1970, English Grammatical Categories and the Tradition to 1800, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Smyth, H.: 1920, Greek Grammar, Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA.
Wallace, John: 1972, ‘Positive, Comparative, Superlative’ The Journal of Philosophy 69, 773–782.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dougherty, M.V. The Comparative Set Fallacy. Argumentation 18, 213–222 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ARGU.0000024022.45061.c7
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ARGU.0000024022.45061.c7