Logical Fallacy of Four Terms

The fallacy of four terms is a formal fallacy that covers up the problem when reasoning is based on one of the three fallacies of Agrippa's trilemma. Whenever a logical fallacy is committed, the fallacy has its roots in Agrippa's trilemma. All human thought (without Divine revelation) is based on one of three unhappy possibilities. These three possibilities are infinite regress, circular reasoning, or axiomatic thinking. This problem is known as Agrippa's trilemma. Some have claimed that only logic and math can be known without Divine revelation; however, that is not true. There is no reason to trust either logic or math without Divine revelation. Science is also limited to the pragmatic because of the weakness on human reasoning, which is known as Agrippa's trilemma.

The logical fallacy of four terms occurs when a fourth term is included in a syllogism.

Examples of the Logical Fallacy of Four Terms

Major premise: "Whatever is observed is scientifically verifiable."

Minor premise: "Evolution ("Evolution" means rearranged or lost information form the cell) is observed."

Conclusion: "Therefore, Evolution ("Evolution" means the addition of new, innovative information continually over time until a single-celled life form eventually became a human being) is scientifically verifiable."

By introducing two meanings of the word, evolution, there is a fourth term introduced into the syllogism.

"Science ("Science" means the scientific observations that are made in the present regarding processes that are continuing in the present) has helped mankind in many ways including medicine, transportation, and advances in nutrition."

"Evolution is science. ("Science" means the stories about the past that are made up to interpret observations in the present in a way that eliminates the actions of God in the past)."

"Therefore, evolution has helped mankind in many ways, including medicine, transportation, and advances in nutrition."

By introducing two meanings of the word, science, there is a fourth term introduced into the syllogism.