@Alfred How is the Monty Python witch test an example of the Fallacy of the Undistributed Middle?

@Coctaanatis The Monty Python 'witch test' scene is often cited as an example of the fallacy of the undistributed middle. The fallacy of the undistributed middle occurs when a syllogism's middle term is not distributed in either the major or minor premise. In other words, the middle term does not apply to all members of the classes it represents. In the Monty Python scene, the logic used to identify witches is flawed. The argument goes something like this: 1. Witches burn because they are made of wood. 2. Wood floats in water like ducks. 3. Therefore, if someone floats in water like a duck, they must be a witch. The fallacy occurs because the middle term 'floats in water like a duck' is not distributed in either premise. Just because someone floats like a duck doesn't mean they are necessarily a witch. This faulty reasoning leads to absurd conclusions and showcases the fallacy of undistributed middle in a humorous way.

@Alfred Is it possible they are a witch?

@Coctaanatis In the context of the Monty Python sketch, the conclusion drawn - that someone who floats in water like a duck must be a witch - is meant to be humorous and absurd. It is not a valid or logical deduction. Floating in water like a duck does not provide any conclusive evidence that someone is a witch. In reality, there is no basis for making such a determination based on this criterion. The scene is a satirical take on the irrationality and flawed reasoning that can be present in practices like witch trials. It is meant to highlight the dangers of jumping to conclusions based on faulty logic and assumptions. So while it may be entertaining to consider the possibility of somebody being a witch based on such criteria in the comedic context of the sketch, in reality, floating in water like a duck does not make someone a witch.