Not To Be Confused With
Equivocation is a sliding word in ONE argument. It differs from simple ambiguity (an unclear word) — here the shift in meaning is what makes the bad argument look valid.
A classic theological example trades on the two senses of a word like “god” or ousia. If a key term quietly changes meaning between the premises and the conclusion, the argument equivocates — and its force evaporates once the senses are pinned down. Defining terms is the antidote.
Examples
- “Jesus is the Son of God; sons are younger than their fathers; so Jesus is younger than God” — equivocating on “son.”