Which of the following arguments commits the fallacy of the contradicted middle, such that the middle term, instead of being pervaded by the presence of the major term, is pervaded by the absence of the major term?
AAll things are non-eternal because they are knowable.
BSound is a quality because it is visible.
CFire is cold because it is a substance.
DSound is eternal because it is produced. ✓ Correct
Correct answer: (D) Sound is eternal because it is produced.
Explanation
The contradicted middle appears in sound is eternal because it is produced.
The middle term produced is meant to prove the eternality of sound.
Yet being produced is invariably pervaded by non-eternality, the absence of the major term.
So the middle carries the absence of the probandum rather than its presence.
A middle pervaded by the absence of the major term is the contradicted-middle (Viruddha) fallacy.
Want more like this? Create a free account to practise a full test, track your progress, and get spaced-repetition review.
Practise on Mcqkart →🎓 Book an expert →