A paralogism is a syllogism which errs in logical form (as contrasted with a syllogism erring in matter, i.
The paralogismis transcendental in character, resting upon a transcendental ground.
Kant attacks the argument founded on the testimony of consciousness in a particular manner in the examination of what he calls the Paralogism of Personality.
Kant calls the argument, by which we have just proved the simplicity of the soul, the second paralogism of psychology.
Kant's Opinion of the Argument which he callsParalogism of Personality 366 XI.
And if such a paralogism has taken place, and that in consequence of the influence of the Baconian philosophy, it shows us what comes of the intrusion of that philosophy into a province with which it had no concern.
Malebranche eluded the question, and could not assign the paralogism, after which Mairan so earnestly sought: ‘It is not that the paralogism is in such or such places of the Ethique, it is everywhere.
But any conquest whatever might do this; and it is a plain paralogism to conclude that where the subjugated people does not react the fault is its own, while where it does the credit is to go to the conquerors.
The logicalparalogism consists in the falsity of an argument in respect of its form, be the content what it may.
But a transcendental paralogism has a transcendental foundation, and concludes falsely, while the form is correct and unexceptionable.
In this manner the paralogism has its foundation in the nature of human reason, and is the parent of an unavoidable, though not insoluble, mental illusion.
