====== Generic generalization ======

A frequently used, yet [[ambiguity:index|ambiguous]] form of speech, which can be interpreted both as a [[glossary:universal_quantification|universal]] and also as an [[glossary:existential_quantification|existential]] expression and thus can be susceptible to misunderstandings.

Examples of generic generalizations are:

  * [[wp>Swan|Swans]] are white-feathered waterfowl.
  * [[wp>cat|Cats]] do not like vegetables.
  * The [[wp>English people|English]] are tea drinkers.

Without a quantifying pronoun (such as “all”, “some” or “many”), it is not possible to infer from such a statement whether it refers to the entire [[glossary:extension|extension]] of the term, or only to a part of it. However, this //ambiguity// can very easily lead to incorrect conclusions.

===== Description =====

FIXME **This article is still "work in progress" and thus incomplete. In the meantime, please see the resources listed below for //more information// on this topic.**

===== See also =====

  * [[glossary:equivocation:amphiboly|Amphiboly]]
  * [[ambiguity:syntactic:index|Syntactic ambiguity]]

===== More information =====

  * [[stanford>generics|Generic Generalizations]] on //Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy//