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Fallacy Library Illicit Minor
Formal fallacy

Illicit Minor

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

Definition

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

Example
All cats are mammals. Some pets are mammals. Therefore all pets are cats.
Extended explanation

How to think about it:

Draws a syllogistic conclusion that distributes the minor 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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