Logic Lessons: Equivocation

Buon giorno. Fallacies of ambiguity are when words and phrases have more than one meaning, and those meanings are blurred or changed. One of the most common of these that I encounter is the Fallacy of Equivocation (almost identical to Conflation). Because I deny evolution, I am accused of hating "science".

One problem is that I am not specific every time I use the word "evolution", because I reject the general "molecules to man" theory of evolution (or something changing into an entirely new creature), but do not reject observable variations within species.

Another problem is when evolutionists equate goo-to-you evolution, a philosophy about the past attempting to use scientific principles, with operational "hands on" science. (By the way, accusing people of "hating science" is also fallacious, but never mind about that now.) There are two equivocations happening in that example, between the definitions of "science" and of "evolution".



Joe King gave me permission to use his images.
A great deal of humor uses equivocation and ambiguity.
I really like this one, which is playing on the word "soup".



Often equivocation is done in ignorance because many people have not been trained to think logically. Or get careless. But it is also done in an insidious, manipulative manner in an attempt to "win" an argument through spurious methods.

An excellent piece on ambiguity and equivocation on the part of evolutionists is here.

New Atheism is Nothing New

Buona sera. Despite the failed "Reason Rally", the so-called "new" atheists have not only failed to advance reason and logic, but continue to further devolve into ridicule and misotheistic cheerleading. It turns out that their "arguments" are copy-n-paste of vituperative remarks of other non-thinking atheists. (Nietzsche would be embarrassed to associate with them.) Meanwhile, Christians are realizing that what passes as arguments for atheism get refuted, especially since there are no arguments for atheism, just excuses to hate God. And complaints against something are not arguments in favor of something else, capice?

Before material like the very inexpensive e-book True Reason: Christian Responses to the Challenge of Atheism was available, Greg Koukl of "Stand to Reason" did this excellent video. But get comfy, it takes almost an hour. The time is well-spent.

Short Video: Is Atheism the "Intelligent Choice"?

Atheism, Evolutionism and Morality

Buon giorno. While reading True Reason: Christian Responses to the Challenge of Atheism, something occurred to me. This section of the book was pointing out how the so-called "new atheists" will conflate "reason" with morality. As I have seen it, "I claim to be rational and use reason. You are religious, so you do not use reason, just ignore my genetic fallacies here. I am a better person than you are!" In addition, I have been attacked with being called a liar because I disagree with the interpretations of the facts regarding evolution. Amazing. They conflated so badly that they could not tell the difference between a difference of opinion and a moral flaw. Joseph Lister's germ theory was met with disbelief, but I seriously doubt that other scientists called him a liar.

But I digress.

An evolutionary worldview does not provide a realistic basis for morality.

Morality is a very difficult problem for the evolutionary worldview. This is not to say that evolutionists are somehow less moral than biblical creationists—or anyone else. Most evolutionists adhere to a moral code and believe in the concept of right and wrong. But evolutionists have no rational reason for this position. Thus, only creationists have a rational, logical, and consistent reason for morality.

Read the rest of "Morality and the Irrationality of an Evolutionary Worldview", here. If you dare.

Those Puzzling Post-Resurrection Appearances

When we hear about the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead, it is often from one passage of Scripture that is read or from watching a classic gospel movie. In reality, there was quite a bit of activity. Many people were coming and going from the tomb. Jesus appeared, angels appeared, people told other people who showed up, Jesus walked on the road to Emmaus with two disciples, appeared to others — like I said, it was a busy place. It was a busy time.

Some people assert that the Gospel accounts of the locations, witnesses, and timing of the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus are contradictory. Scripture exhorts us to be always prepared with answers (1 Peter 3:15) for the hope that is in us. Since these answers and our eternal hope rest on the authenticity of Christ’s Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:17), we need to sort through some of the “many infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3) Scripture catalogs. As the annual time of our celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection draws near, presented here is a defense and proposed timeline of some of the most important events in history.

You can read the rest of "The Sequence of Christ’s Post-Resurrection Appearances: Where Exactly Did Jesus Appear, and to Whom?", here.