The existential fallacy occurs when existence is inferred from a universal statement. From “all X are Y” it does not follow that any X exist.
Example
“All unicorns are animals.”
“Therefore, there are animals that are unicorns.”
(The premise does not guarantee existence.)
Applied example (political)
“All corrupt people are criminals; therefore there are corrupt people.” (The premise does not guarantee existence.)
Applied example (mystical)
“All spirits are eternal; therefore spirits exist.” (Existence is inferred without proof.)
Why it is fallacious
- Universal premises do not imply existence.
- It confuses logical form with empirical reality.
- It introduces an entity without justification.
How to spot it
- A shift from “all” or “no” to “there are”.
- No evidence that the subject exists.
- An existence claim without support.
How to respond
- Ask for independent proof of existence.
- Note that the premise does not guarantee it.
- Restate with appropriate quantifiers.