Conflation

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
For other uses, see Conflation (disambiguation).

Conflation is the merging of two or more sets of information, texts, ideas, or opinions into one, often in error.[1] Conflation is defined as 'fusing blending', but is often used colloquially as 'being equal to' - treating two similar but disparate concepts as the same. Merriam Webster suggested this shift in usage happened relatively recently, entering their dictionary in 1973.[2]

In logic, it is the practice of treating two distinct concepts as one, which produces errors or misunderstandings as a fusion of distinct subjects tends to obscure analysis of relationships which are emphasized by contrasts.[3] However, if the distinctions between the two concepts may appear to be superficial, intentional conflation can be desirable for the sake of conciseness and recall.

Communication and reasoning

The result of conflating concepts may give rise to

fallacies and ambiguity, including the fallacy of four terms in a categorical syllogism. For example, the word "bat" has at least two distinct meanings: a flying animal, and a piece of sporting equipment (such as a baseball bat or cricket bat). If these meanings are not distinguished, the result may be the following categorical syllogism, which may be seen as a joke (pun
):

  1. All bats are animals.
  2. Some wooden objects are bats.
  3. Therefore, some wooden objects are animals.

Using words with different meanings can help clarify, or can cause real confusion. English words with multiple (verb) meanings can be illustrated by instances in which a motion is merged with or a causation with manner,[4] e.g. the bride floated towards her future. In this example, the bride may be married on a boat, airplane, or hot-air balloon, etc.[5] She could be walking the aisle towards matrimony.[6] The verb "float" has multiple meanings, and both verb meanings in the example may be proper uses of a bride "floating" toward a future. The "manner" of the scene, described by further context, would explain the true meaning of the sentence.

In an alternate illustrative example, respect is used both in the sense of recognizing a right and having high regard for someone or something. We can respect someone's right to an opinion without holding this idea in high regard. But conflation of these two different concepts leads to the notion that all ideological ideas should be treated with respect, rather than just the right to hold these ideas. Conflation in logical terms is very similar to equivocation.[citation needed]

Taxonomic conflation

In linguistic, taxonomic conflation happens when a

polysemic term is on two or more taxic levels. This presents a difficulty in translation. An example is "sex-based conflation". For example, "spokesman", depending on the context, may mean a "spokesman who is man" and a "spokeswoman".[7]

See also

Notes

  1. ISBN 978-0-8091-3606-3
    .
  2. ^ "The Sometimes Subtle Difference Between 'Conflate' and 'Equate'". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2022-07-23.
  3. ISBN 978-0-8091-3606-3
    .
  4. ISBN 978-90-272-2770-6
    .
  5. ^ "Float". dictionary.reference.com. Verb, item 3. Retrieved 25 September 2015. to rest or move in a liquid, the air, etc.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  6. ^ "Float". dictionary.reference.com. Verb, item 4. Retrieved 25 September 2015. to move lightly and gracefully{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  7. ISBN 978-0-88706-653-5
    .

References
Look up conflation in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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