Is anything ever true of both a whole and its part?

A) No, that is why composition is a fallacy.
B) No, since a whole is necessarily different from its parts.
C) No, since the part is always smaller than the whole.
D) Yes, since parts and wholes do not have to be entirely different.
E) Yes, since the whole must have every property of the part.

Question

Landon Homewood · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  While a whole and its parts may not be identical, there may be similarities or common qualities between them. Therefore, it is possible for something to be true of both a whole and its parts. Choice A is incorrect because composition is not always a fallacy, though it can be if applied incorrectly. Choice B is incorrect because while a whole and its parts are different, they may still share certain qualities. Choice C is incorrect because the size of the part compared to the whole is not relevant to whether something can be true of both. Choice E is incorrect because the whole does not necessarily have to have every property of the part, only enough to be considered part of the same whole.

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