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As a feature of language, amphibology or ambiguity occurs when a word or phrase has more than one meaning. The fallacy is caused by faulty sentence structure, and can result in a meaning not intended by the author. The term amphiboly comes from the Greek ampho, which means "double" or "on both sides." This root, obviously enough, is closely related to the English word ambiguity. For instance, the word "note" can mean either: A musical tone or a short written record. As a logical fallacy, ambiguity occurs when linguistic ambiguity causes the form of an argument to appear valid when it is not. While not always a fallacy, ambiguity is frequently misleading. For instance, in the much publicized statement by President Clinton: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” This claim was a testimony, rather than argument, so it cannot be fallacious. However, it is now clear that it was intended to trick the listener into concluding, falsely, that there was no sexual relationship between President Clinton and Miss Lewinsky.
Approximate Word count = 672
Approximate Pages = 2.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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