{"id":6062,"date":"2021-10-31T14:59:16","date_gmt":"2021-10-31T13:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/icar.cnrs.fr\/dicoplantin\/?p=6062"},"modified":"2025-08-01T17:54:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T15:54:37","slug":"distinguo-e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/icar.cnrs.fr\/dicoplantin\/distinguo-e\/","title":{"rendered":"Distinguo"},"content":{"rendered":"

DISTINGUO<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

The Latin term distinguo<\/em>,\u00a0 is the first-person singular present indicative of the Latin verb distinguere<\/em>, which means \u201cto separate; to distinguish\u201d. By extension, distinguo<\/em> can also mean \u00ab\u00a0to make a subtle, hence sophistical distinction.\u00a0\u00bb
\n<\/span>Distinguo<\/em> is a an argumentative technique used to clarify the meaning of a term. In an argumentative situation, distinguo<\/em> is used to prevent misinterpretation and objection<\/em> by opponents.
\nThe term \u00a0distinguo<\/em> is also used as a synonym for paradiastole<\/em>, see orientation reversal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. Distinguo<\/em> as an Analytical Tool<\/span><\/h1>\n

In contemporary usage, to make a distinguo<\/em> is to make a distinction between the different meanings covered by\u00a0 a complex or ambiguous notion<\/p>\n

(1) The system of \u2018territorial development\u2019 is based on the interaction between its two components: the local economic system and the so-called \u2018territorial\u2019 system.
\n<\/span>The distinguo<\/em> between these two systems stems from the opposing logics underlying them. The economic system obeys principles that are recognized and explained in economics. The territorial system, for its part, encompasses all human, social, economic and urban functions of a place.<\/span>
\nLoinger & J.-C. Nemery, [Recomposition and Development of Territories<\/em>], 1998.[1]<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

2. Distinguo<\/em> as a First Step to Refuting an Argument<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/h2>\n

A distinguo is an instrument used to reduce ambiguity<\/a>, it conveys the caveat, \u201cBe careful not to mix everything up!<\/em>\u201d. A distinguo is justified when based on distinctions that are socially recognized and independently established in a dictionary or an encyclopedia.
\nFor example, it can be used to detect a four-term paralogism <\/a>, or a shift in the meaning of a term in a reasoning, such as eliminate the confusion created by using the word metal<\/em> to refer to a chemically simple body<\/em> and to an alloy<\/em>.<\/p>\n

A distinguo can be used to correct an opponent’s discourse,\u00a0 for example to reestablish a blurred distinction (Mackenzie 1988). Making a distinguo<\/em> is saying, \u201cI see<\/em> some truth and some errors in your speech, and I’m going to clarify the situation.<\/em>\u201d
\nConsider the following theological syllogism (after Chenique, 1975, p. 9):<\/p>\n

(1) Every man is a sinner.<\/span>
\n(2) No sinner will enter heaven.<\/span>
\n(3) No man will enter heaven.<\/span><\/p>\n

The opponent says:<\/p>\n