Lost in Words

Trained philosophers are constantly confronted with the glaringly illogical writings which characterize both the popular press and contemporary politicians. Example follows example of inconsistency, faulty argumentation, ambiguity, and every other error which logicians teach their students to avoid. A recent example, from the autumn of 2010, is provided by Rand Paul in a newspaper column he wrote. Attempting to establish for his readers his location on the political landscape, he explains for several paragraphs that he is not a “Libertarian,” but rather a “Constitutional Conservative” — but never defines either term!