A distinction without a difference is a type of
logical fallacy
In logic and philosophy, a formal fallacy is a pattern of reasoning rendered invalid by a flaw in its logical structure. Propositional logic, for example, is concerned with the meanings of sentences and the relationships between them. It focuses ...
where an author or speaker attempts to describe a distinction between two things where no discernible difference exists. It is particularly used when a word or phrase has
connotation
A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that any given word or phrase carries, in addition to its explicit or literal meaning, which is its denotation.
A connotation is frequently described as either positive or ...
s associated with it that one party to an argument prefers to avoid.
For example, a person might say "I did not lie; I merely stretched the truth a little bit."
Form of the fallacy
* Claim X is made where the truth of the claim requires a distinct difference between A and B.
* There is no distinct difference between A and B.
* Therefore, claim X is incorrectly claimed to be true.
Example
In the following conversation:
* Sergio: There is no way I would ever even consider taking dancing lessons.
* Kitty: How about I ask my friend from work to teach you?
* Sergio: If you know someone who is willing to teach me how to dance, then I am willing to learn, sure.
Sergio's fallacy is thinking that being taught by someone is different than taking a lesson.
See also
*
Connotation
A connotation is a commonly understood cultural or emotional association that any given word or phrase carries, in addition to its explicit or literal meaning, which is its denotation.
A connotation is frequently described as either positive or ...
*
Connotation (semiotics)
*
Distancing language
*
Euphemism
A euphemism ( ) is when an expression that could offend or imply something unpleasant is replaced with one that is agreeable or inoffensive. Some euphemisms are intended to amuse, while others use bland, inoffensive terms for concepts that the u ...
*
False dilemma
A false dilemma, also referred to as false dichotomy or false binary, is an informal fallacy based on a premise that erroneously limits what options are available. The source of the fallacy lies not in an invalid form of inference but in a false ...
*
Spin (propaganda)
In public relations and politics, spin is a form of propaganda, achieved through knowingly
providing a biased interpretation of an event. While traditional public relations and advertising may manage their presentation of facts, "spin" often i ...
References
Difference
Informal fallacies
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