Terminology Tuesday: Equivocal

Adjective that describes the status of a term when it is used in more than one sense in the course of an argument, so that the argument commits the logical fallacy of equivocation. Note the equivocal use of terms in the following humorous example: “I love you. Therefore I am a lover. All the world loves a lover. You are all the world to me. Therefore you love me.”

Evans, C. S. (2002). Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics & Philosophy of Religion (p. 40). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

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Richard Porter is apologetics ministry leader at Calvary Church of West Hartford in Connecticut and a Chapter Director with Ratio Christi. Richard has studied apologetics for over a decade. Prior to his conversion, apologetics was a huge part of what God used to reel him in to the faith. From the popular works of Lee Strobel to the more academic defenses of Christianity by William Lane Craig, apologetics has always caught his eye. He has a passion for equipping Christians to defend the faith and hopes to one day be in full-time ministry. He also has aspirations to pursue an academic career of his own if the Lord permits. In his spare time Richard enjoys exploring New Testament studies and analytic philosophy. In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Richard also enjoys kettlebell and martial arts training – particularly Brazilian and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. He also has two sons that are being trained as young apologists and martial artists.

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