Linguistic Criteria for Judging Composition and Division Fallacies

Abstract

In the pragma-dialectical theory of argumentation fallacies are defined as violations of rules for critical discussion that further the resolution of differences of opinion on the merits. Viewed within this perspective, fallacies are wrong discussion moves. Such moves can occur in every stage of the resolution process and they can be made by both parties. Among the wrong moves that may occur in the argumentation stage are the fallacies of composition and division.