Stolen Concept Fallacy
The Stolen Concept Fallacy occurs when an argument implicitly relies on a concept or assumption that it is attempting to deny or disprove, leading to a self-defeating contradiction.
THE IDEA
Stolen Concept Fallacy
Description: Relying on the truth of a concept that you are simultaneously trying to disprove.
Example #1: Attempting to use reason to argue that reason is invalid.
Explanation: Here we are using reason to disprove the validity of reason, which is unreasonable – reasonably speaking.
Example #2: Using geology (a branch of science) to disprove science.
Explanation: Geology is a branch of science. Using science (examining fossils through the science of geology) to disprove science is absurd, a contradiction, and therefore, a fallacy in reasoning.
Exception: Intentional irony.
When to use it
Debating the validity of logic or reason itself.
Critiquing arguments that deny the reliability of empirical evidence while using empirical data.
Evaluating philosophical positions that claim all truth is relative, yet state that as an absolute truth.
Analyzing arguments that use scientific methods while denying the validity of science itself.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Using reason to disprove reason
Attempting to use reason to argue that reason is invalid. The argument relies on the very reasoning it seeks to discredit.
Using science to disprove science
Using geology, a branch of science, to argue that science is invalid. This requires accepting scientific methods and findings, contradicting the conclusion.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you identify a real-world argument that commits the Stolen Concept Fallacy?
Why is it logically problematic to rely on a concept while attempting to deny its validity?
How can intentional irony avoid being a stolen concept fallacy?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies