Which of the following arguments is faulty because the middle term is non-finite (infinite)?
AAll things are temporary because they are knowable ✓ Correct
BThere is fire in the mountain because it is knowable
CFire is cold because it is matter
DSound is eternal because it is produced
Correct answer: (A) All things are temporary because they are knowable
Explanation
The faulty inference is 'all things are temporary because they are knowable'.
Here the middle term is 'knowable'.
Everything whatever is knowable, so the middle has unlimited, non-finite scope.
A reason present in absolutely every case cannot single out what is temporary from the rest.
With no instance lying outside it, the middle proves nothing about being temporary.
An all-pervasive, non-finite middle yields an inconclusive reason.
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