A paralogism is an apparently valid, but invalid argument.
The Greek word paralogismos derived from the late Latin paralogismus . That is the closest etymological antecedent of paralogism , a term that refers to false reasoning or argument .
Already in its etymology we can appreciate this meaning, since the term is composed of the prefix para- (which indicates "on the margin, together"), logos ("treaty, word, study") and the suffix -ism (which denotes " activity"). Together they describe "something that is outside the study", that is, that cannot be proven exactly.
Error in reasoning
A paralogism, in this way, arises from an error in reasoning. There is no bad intention or desire to lie to the interlocutor, but rather it is the consequence of an incorrect logical calculation.
Paralogism is characterized by presenting a non-compliance with the precepts of logic that occurs involuntarily. Furthermore, false conclusions are inevitable because the demonstrative capacity of reasoning stops acting.
According to the celebrated philosopher Immanuel Kant , the tendency to paralogism is in our essence, especially the error that consists of believing that the soul is the origin of the Latin phrase cogito ergo sum , which we know in our language as "I think, therefore "I exist." Since we cannot decide the existence of these mental phenomena , we cannot avoid them either, and that is why Kant believed that they will always be part of our nature.
Syllogism
It is important to keep in mind that a paralogism is a syllogism : an argument composed of propositions from which a conclusion is deduced. Syllogisms have three prepositions, the last being a deduction from the preceding ones. In the case of paralogisms, they usually take the form of enthymemes (syllogisms of two propositions, which are known as antecedent and consequent).
Sophistry
Paralogisms can also be associated with sophistry . A sophistry is a false argument that has the appearance of truth . However, sophistry is a deliberate deception, while paralogism arises from incorrect analysis.
Logic, argument and fallacy
We cannot talk about paralogism without reviewing certain topics in the field of logic, mainly argument . It is an idea or reasoning expressed in writing or orally, which serves to justify a proposition. In turn, the proposition is an entity that is composed of signs typical of a language, and that has a truth value: it is true or false.
With respect to logic , we can distinguish between formal and informal. The first, which is also called mathematical, theoretical or symbolic , focuses precisely on the form of the arguments, that is, the reasoning; The informal, on the other hand, is in charge of its subject matter, its specific content.
We must also mention a concept that encompasses both paralogism and sophism: fallacy , an apparently valid but false argument. Paralogism is said to occur "in good faith," a concept that not only contemplates the possibility of an error in reasoning, but also of ignorance or lack of ability to avoid falling into a fallacy . So much so that when we are aware of having incurred a paralogism we usually feel ashamed and make an effort not to repeat it.
Although the paralogism is given in good faith, it presents incorrect logic.
in psychiatry
In the field of psychiatry , meanwhile, the use of existing terms but with a new or different meaning from the conventional one is called paralogism. Therefore, there is confusion with the concept that the words communicate.
Paralogism usually appears in schizophrenic discourse as an alteration when it comes to conceptualization. According to specialists, it is the subject himself who provides the interpretation of the paralogism.