Type-token Fallacy

The type-token fallacy is committed when a word can refer to either a type (representing an abstract descriptive concept) or a token (representing an object that instantiates a concept) and is used in a way that makes it unclear which it refers to. This is a more specific form of the ambiguity fallacy .

Examples:

  • _Salesperson: Toyota manufactures like four dozens of cars, so if you don’t like this one you can see others.

Prospect: I would have guessed they made closer to millions of cars._