Equivocation

Equivocal Language

Equivocal language is an intentionally ambiguous language that may lead to differing interpretations. Importantly for this discussion, equivocal language can include homophones, homographs, and particularly homonyms.

For example, knight and night, sun and son, band and banned.

For example, you might object to a motion (ob-JECT), while you hold an object (OB-ject).

For example, an exposition is the introductory part of a story; an exposition is also a public show.

Homonyms are highly utilized in equivocation because no matter how you write or say homonyms, they read and sound the same. The following is how equivocal language can be used to create an argument from equivocation, which is a logical fallacy.

Equivocation Argument

Here’s an example of equivocation.

Here’s the problem. In terms of logical argumentation, an argument is a persuasive point. It is not, as the equivocator suggests, an angry verbal fight. Likewise, in terms of logical argumentation, rhetoric is the study and implementation of written and verbal persuasion and communication. It is not, as the equivocator suggests, loud and untrustworthy language.

By attempting to attack logical argumentation and rhetoric by attacking different uses of those same words, this writer is guilty of equivocation.

Fig. 1 - Not all arguments are angry.

The Logical Fallacy of Equivocation

Equivocation is a logical fallacy because it is deceptive and logically unsound.

An equivocator wants the reader or listener to confuse the ambiguous word. This is deceptive. Logical arguments do not aim to confuse someone; they aim to enlighten someone.

To the second point, equivocation is unsound. For an argument to be valid, its conclusion must simply follow from the premises. For the argument to be sound, it must be both valid and true.

Take a look again at this example.

This argument is valid because the conclusion (that logical arguments are not so good after all) follows from the premise (that arguments are petty and rhetoric is for propagandists). However, this argument is not sound, because the premise is not true. In this context, arguments are not petty and rhetoric is not exclusive to propagandists.

Effect of Equivocation

When someone equivocates, they can trick their audience into believing that something is what it is not. Here is an example.

This example uses the term "neutral" in several contexts throughout. Neutrality in war is not the same as unbiased voting, for one, and for two, being neutral is not the same as being "stuck in neutral." An equivocator puts all their focus on a single word and then uses that word to redefine many ideas related to that word.

Equivocation Example (Essay)

Here is an example of how someone might use equivocation in an essay.

This excerpt contains multiple fallacies, but the main one is equivocation. The essayist attempts to equate a scientific law with a rule of law, which are entirely different. Yes, they both use the word “law,” and “law” is spelled the same, sounds the same, and they have similar meanings; however, these two instances of “law” do not actually mean the same thing.

A scientific law is scientifically provable. A rule of law is a guideline decided upon by human judgment. Thus, equating a rule of law with a scientific law is the logical fallacy of equivocation.

Fig. 2 - Laws are not created equal.

Tips to Avoid Equivocation

To avoid equivocation, follow these three tips.

1. Understand the many definitions of a single word. Most words can be used in multiple contexts, and many in very confusing and similar contexts.

2. Do not try to hide anything. When writing your essay, don’t use logical fallacies like a shield to hide a weak point. If something does not mean what you want it to mean, do not pretend that it does.

3. Slow down if you find yourself using the same word again and again. If you continue to use the same word to make more and more points, you might be using that word in different contexts. Reexamine your line of reasoning.