SilverCloud on Impact vs. Intent

A Logical Analysis

Johnny Silvercloud once asked me to do a logical analysis of one of his essays, similar to the analysis I did of arguments between Argumentative Penguin and Marley K. Mr. Silvercloud later wrote that I should have included some reference to his essay on impact vs. intent in my essay on so-called “Reverse Racism”. This essay addresses both projects, and will hopefully feed two birds with one scone.

Silvercloud’s essay could be analyzed in two closely related ways. Firstly, it could be seen as a series of Reductio ad Absurda translatable into the logical form of modus tollens. Secondly, they can be seen as arguments from analogy, which can be analyzed by another closely related method. My translations to Modus tollens will be greatly simplified to make the logical form more visible, so you should read the original to understand the full meaning of Mr. Silvercloud’s examples.

If intention >impact, then someone wouldn’t be blamed if X

But if X someone will be blamed

Therefore, it is not the case that Intention >impact.

1)If I then ~(if X then B)

2) if X then B

Therefore ~I

He gives three examples to substitute for X:

1) X= he accidentally stuck it in the wrong hole while making love

2) X= he accidentally shoots himself in the leg because he didn’t clear his weapon.