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Complex Question
Definition:
Two otherwise unrelated points are conjoined and treated as
a single proposition. The reader is expected to accept or
reject both together, when in reality one is acceptable while
the other is not. A complex question is an illegitimate use of
the "and" operator.
Examples:
- You should support home education and the God-given
right of parents to raise their children according to their
own beliefs.
- Do you support freedom and the right to bear arms?
- Have you stopped using illegal sales practises? (This asks
two questions: did you use illegal practises, and did you
stop?)
Proof:
Identify the two propositions illegitimately conjoined and
show that believing one does not mean that you have to
believe the other.
References:
Cedarblom and Paulsen: 86, Copi and Cohen: 96
13 August 1996
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