Not every figurative expression is erroneous. “She is a lamp of knowledge” may properly express intellectual guidance and benefit.
The fallacy begins only when literal physical properties are inferred from that figure: “She is a lamp, so water can extinguish her.” That confuses figurative description with literal classification.
Always establish whether the expression is used literally or figuratively. A syllogism requires continuity of meaning across its premises.
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Causes of Error: Misunderstanding and Verbal Ambiguities
Not every figurative expression is erroneous. “She is a lamp of knowledge” may properly express intellectual guidance and benefit.
The fallacy begins only when literal physical properties are inferred from that figure: “She is a lamp, so water can extinguish her.” That confuses figurative description with literal classification.
Always establish whether the expression is used literally or figuratively. A syllogism requires continuity of meaning across its premises.