by Hans Bluedorn, Copyright June 15, 2010, all rights reserved. 1206 views
Below we’ve linked to a video of Abbot and Costello’s famous "Who’s on First?" comedy routine:
Abbot and Costello fail to communicate. Each of them makes sense to himself, but the other guy doesn’t get it. This is okay - it happens to all of us. What makes this skit funny and ridiculous is that neither of them is able to change the way he speaks. They say the same thing over and over, hoping the other guy will eventually understand. Have you done this?
Also, Abbot and Costello commit a fallacy in this video. What is the name of this fallacy?
Dear Hans and Nathaniel,
You have some celebrity status here in Western NY. My classes and I talk about you all the time. The word on the street is that Logic is their favorite class.
This is the second year I have taught a logic class and this year I have two classes. Every one has been a blessing. Thanks for writing such a fun book, and for keeping up the website that goes along with it.
I just found Laura Xentara’s bread test. I know the kids will have fun studying for the final with these new examples. Linda
1 • Bruce Turner • June 15, 2010 • 3:43 PM
I think it’s equivocation where the meaning of the words is changed throughout the conversation. Funny, I taught Logic and Criticial Thinking this past year and played the “Who’s On First” sketch for my class as an example of this fallacy. Great work
2 • Courtney • June 15, 2010 • 4:36 PM
Isn’t this an equivocation? I haven’t done logic in a while, but that’s what comes to mind.
3 • Topher • June 15, 2010 • 6:30 PM
Hi, my name is Topher Freeman. I like your book the fallacy detective a lot. I read your email Who’s on First and I think the answer is Equivocation from lesson 15 thank’s for the fallacy.
4 • steve • June 16, 2010 • 6:47 PM
Perhaps the falliacy of equivocation?
5 • johanna kautt • July 04, 2010 • 5:52 PM
Hmm…cute! I love that last photo with the either or fallacy.
6 • qwrfr Green • August 20, 2010 • 3:30 AM
I agree with Bruce Turner on the point that it’s equivocation where the meaning of the words is changed throughout the conversation.
Nice material for teaching.
7 • salbahe16 • August 25, 2010 • 2:46 AM
I think it’s equivocation where the meaning of the words is changed throughout the conversation. Funny, I taught Logic and Criticial Thinking this past year and played the “Who’s On First” sketch for my class as an example of this fallacy. Great work
8 • salbahe16 • August 26, 2010 • 3:18 AM
i agree with bruce too.. and i love the photos of this!