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Fallacy Library Undistributed Middle
Formal fallacy

Undistributed Middle

Uses a shared middle term in a syllogism without properly connecting the categories, so the conclusion does not follow.

Definition

Uses a shared middle term in a syllogism without properly connecting the categories, so the conclusion does not follow.

Example
All poets use language. My neighbor uses language. Therefore my neighbor is a poet.
Extended explanation

How to think about it:

Uses a shared middle term in a syllogism without properly connecting the categories, so the conclusion does not follow. 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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