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Blackwell Reference Online
Cited
'Fallacy of Accent
Logic
A fallacy originally noticed by Aristotle, in which an argument proceeds to a conclusion by changing the syllabic accent of a word and hence causing its meaning to be changed. Such an argument is, of course, invalid. It is later expanded to cover cases in which one argues by emphasizing different parts of a sentence hence changing its meaning. It is also called the fallacy of emphasis, and usually occurs in spoken language. “The fallacy of accent is committed whenever a statement is accented in such a way as to change its meaning, and is employed in an argument.” Carney and Scheer, Fundamentals of Logic.'
PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London.
Cited
'The fallacy of accent defends for its effectiveness on the fact the meaning of statements can change, depending on the stress put on words. The accenting of words or phrases can give a meaning quite different from that intended, and can add implications which are not part of the literal meaning.' (31).
Example used
'Light your cigarette' (31).
a) Without accent it looks like an invitation. (31).
b) As opposed to lighting a tablecloth or something else. (31).
c) Instead of someone else. (31).
d) Instead of sticking it in your ear. (31).
The author notes that by changing the accent, the meaning can be changed. (31)
'Light your cigarette', reads like an invitation or instruction.
''Light your CIGARETTE', reads as if an instruction to light the cigarette instead of something else.
'Light YOUR cigarette' read like an instruction to light your own cigarette and not another's.
'LIGHT your cigarette' reads as an invitation, instead of sticking it in your ear.
The author states: 'The fallacy lies with the additional implications introduced by emphasis. (32).
For our Blog context, that being theology, philosophy of religion, philosophy and Bible, this following statement from Pirie is relevant and profound:
'Your most widespread use of the fallacy of accent can be to discredit opponents by quoting them with an emphasis they never indented'. (32).
He notes that Richelieu needed six lines by which to hang an honest man. (32).
I reason he is meaning Cardinal Richelieu of France. This would be a good historical example where Christianity was politicized and did not closely follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his disciples, the Apostles and scribes.
The use of accent in a fallacious manner can twist words for the purpose of a lie.
Another example provided:
'Samson was blinded by the king of the Philistines who had promised not to touch him'. (32).
One can promise not to touch you, but pay to have someone else blind you...
One should pay special attention to the educated and elite, whether in a political, corporate, religious or other context when he or she may be using the fallacy of accent to persuade the masses.
But of course the masses can use the fallacy as well.
From a Biblical, Christian perspective this type of fallacious reasoning, this type of twisting of the truth, for the sake of attempting to win an argument, is unethical and morally wrong.
If one cannot win an argument without using fallacy, or more importantly present a good argument, perhaps premises and conclusions need to be reconsidered.
