Chapter 4 [Chapter One Sophistry in the Application of Concepts] [Introduction]

Concepts, judgments, and reasoning are the basic forms of thinking.Judgment is composed of concepts, and reasoning is composed of judgments, so concepts are the cells of thinking and the basis on which our thinking proceeds.Logic requires us to strive to achieve clear concepts, appropriate judgments, and logical reasoning in the process of thinking.Therefore, if there is a problem with the concept, wrong judgment and reasoning will be made. Concepts have two important logical features, that is, any concept has connotation and extension.Connotation is the unique attribute or essential attribute of the object reflected by the concept, and extension is a class of objects reflected by the concept. These objects all have the attributes reflected by the connotation of the concept; there are different types of concepts, and there are different relationships between various concepts ; Concepts are expressed through words, concepts and words are not only closely related, but also have essential differences.The basic knowledge of concepts provided by logic is a necessary condition for our correct application of concepts.

The sophistry techniques used by sophists in concept application mainly include: playing word games, using ambiguous words and homophonic words to confuse concepts; intentionally misinterpreting the connotation and extension of concepts, and subjectively applying the flexibility of concepts, etc.