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Fallacy Library Illicit Major
Formal fallacy

Illicit Major

Draws a syllogistic conclusion that distributes the major term more broadly than the premises allow.

Definition

Draws a syllogistic conclusion that distributes the major term more broadly than the premises allow.

Example
All cats are mammals. No dogs are cats. Therefore no dogs are mammals.
Extended explanation

How to think about it:

Draws a syllogistic conclusion that distributes the major term more broadly than the premises allow. In practice, the key question is whether the conclusion is supported by evidence and logic, or whether it depends on this reasoning shortcut instead.

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