Paper 1 · Logical Reasoning
UGC NET June 2023 (20.06.2023) Shift-I
Which of the following arrangements involve the fallacy of the irregular (undistributed) middle term?
- Sound is a quality because it is visible
- Sound is eternal because it is audible
- Sound is eternal because it is produced
- All things are non-eternal because they are knowable
A1, 2 & 3 only
B2 & 4 only ✓ Correct
C2 & 3 only
D1, 2 & 4 only
Correct answer: (B) 2 & 4 only — The irregular middle term appears in the audible and knowable arguments, so the answer is 2 and 4.
Explanation
★The irregular middle term appears in the audible and knowable arguments, so the answer is 2 and 4.
★The fallacy of the undistributed middle occurs when the middle term is not distributed in either premise.
★In sound is eternal because it is audible, the middle term audible is undistributed, matching item 2.
★In all things are non-eternal because they are knowable, the middle term knowable is undistributed, matching item 4.
★So these two arguments commit the irregular middle-term fallacy.
★The other arguments fail for different reasons, not this one.
★So the answer is items 2 and 4.
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