Tautology

What is tautology?

A tautology is when you say something that is always true, no matter what. It is usually because the words repeat the same idea or because it's just true by itself. Tautologies can sometimes be confusing because they don't give us any new information. Common examples are often repetitive or redundant expressions like “it is what it is.”

How tautologies appear in everyday life

Here are a few examples:

Communication

Tautologies can sometimes make our communication less clear or informative, as they don't add any meaningful content to a conversation. Being aware of tautologies can help us avoid unnecessary repetition and improve the clarity of our speech or writing.

Logical reasoning

In the context of logic, tautologies can serve as a foundation for constructing valid arguments, since a statement that is always true doesn't affect the overall validity of an argument. However, relying too heavily on tautologies can also lead to circular reasoning or uninformative conclusions.

Rhetoric and persuasion

Tautologies are sometimes used in rhetoric or persuasive techniques, as they can create a sense of certainty or emphasis. However, this can also be misleading, as the repetition or redundancy might give the illusion of a strong argument, even when the underlying reasoning is weak or flawed.

Key considerations and takeways

To identify tautologies in everyday life, it's important to:

• Recognise and understand common tautologies, such as "it is what it is" or "either it will rain, or it won't."

• Be mindful of using tautologies in communication, as they can reduce the clarity and informativeness of your speech or writing.

• Evaluate the logical structure and content of arguments, being cautious of tautologies that might give the illusion of a strong argument without providing meaningful information or reasoning.

Tautologies can have both positive and negative effects on our everyday lives. By being aware of them and their implications, we can improve our communication, logical reasoning, and critical thinking skills, making more informed decisions and engaging in more effective conversations.