Generic generalization

A frequently used, yet ambiguous form of speech, which can be interpreted both as a universal and also as an existential expression and thus can be susceptible to misunderstandings.

Examples of generic generalizations are:

• Swans are white-feathered waterfowl.
• Cats do not like vegetables.
• The 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 extension of the term, or only to a part of it. However, this ambiguity can very easily lead to incorrect conclusions.

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.

• Amphiboly
• Syntactic ambiguity

• Generic Generalizations on Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy