Equivocation of Nothing/Examples

Examples of Equivocation of Nothing

These are examples of the fallacy of Equivocation of Nothing.


The classic often-cited argument is:

Candlelight is brighter than nothing.
Nothing is brighter than the light from the sun.
Therefore, candlelight is brighter than the light from the sun.


This version is given in 1982: P.M. Cohn: Algebra Volume 1 (2nd ed.):

Any soap is better than no soap.
No soap is better than Wonder-Bubble.
Therefore, any soap is better than Wonder-Bubble.


This version is given in 2008: David Joyner: Adventures in Group Theory (2nd ed.):

Time waits for no man.
No man is an island.
Therefore, time waits for an island.


Sources

  • 1982: P.M. Cohn: Algebra Volume 1 (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Sets and mappings: $\S 1.1$: The need for logic: Exercise $(9)$
  • 2008: David Joyner: Adventures in Group Theory (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $1$: Elementary, my dear Watson: $\S 1.1.1$: 'You talking to me?'
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