composition fallacy

/ˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən ˌfæləsi/

assuming the whole has properties of its parts

composition fallacy in a sentence

“Each brick is light, so the building must be light—composition fallacy.”

Latin componere (to put together)

Related Words

division fallacy

assuming parts have properties of the whole

no true Scotsman

dismissing counterexamples by redefining the category

equivocation

using a word with multiple meanings to mislead

amphiboly

grammatical ambiguity allowing multiple interpretations

accent fallacy

changing meaning through emphasis or punctuation