“All criminals are Sociopaths.” is a beautiful example of a Logical Fallacy.
Definition according to the Mayo Clinic:
Sociopathy, is a mental health condition in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others.
– Mayo Clinic
Let’s go through this:
I am watching Numb3rs, and Charlie just said, “All criminals are Sociopaths.”
“All criminals are Sociopaths.”
“Our forefathers were criminals.”
“Therefore Our Forefathers were Sociopaths.”
The problem with the statement “All criminals are Sociopaths,” is that “Criminal” also includes Ethical individuals who disagreed with Unethical Laws.
For instance, Thomas Jefferson did teach his slaves how to read, which was illegal, therefore, Thomas Jefferson was a criminal.
According to the statement, “All criminals are Sociopaths,” Thomas Jefferson was a Sociopath.
Let’s try another example:
All criminals are Sociopaths. Rosa Parks was a criminal. Therefore, Rosa Parks was a sociopath.
The statement “All criminals are Sociopaths,” is false because the quantifier, “all,” means 100% and in every situation without exception. “All criminals are Sociopaths” fails to consider the Ethical criminals who use their Discernment, Self-Government, and Ethics to evaluate the ethical merit of unethical laws.
Therefore only some criminals are Sociopaths, while other criminals are highly educated and ethical people who strongly disagree with the unethical integrity of an immoral law.
Therefore “All criminals are Sociopaths” is false.
As we go through more Logical Fallacies, you will begin to see more examples how logical proofs play out.
