Etymological fallacy

The etymological fallacy argues for or against something based on the historical origin of a word, as if the current meaning depended on that origin.

Example

“‘Logos’ in Greek meant ‘word’. Therefore, logic is only a technique to manipulate words.”
(Linguistic origin is mistaken for current meaning.)

Applied example (political)

“Democracy means power of the people; therefore any majority decision is just.” (Origin does not define current use.)

Applied example (mystical)

“Spirit comes from breath; therefore the spiritual is literally air.” (Etymology is mistaken for meaning.)

Why it is fallacious

• Meanings change over time.
• A word’s origin does not determine its current use.
• It avoids engaging with the actual concept.

How to spot it

• Appeals to “original meaning” as decisive evidence.
• Ignores current technical usage.
• Etymology is used as proof.

How to respond

• Point out semantic evolution.
• Ask for current operational definitions.
• Evaluate the concept by its criteria, not its origin.