Correct option is C
The fallacy committed in the given argument is the Fallacy of Undistributed Middle. This fallacy occurs when the middle term in a syllogism is not distributed (i.e., it does not refer to all members of the category it represents), which leads to an invalid conclusion.
The structure of the syllogism is:
Premise 1: All textbooks are books intended for careful study.
Premise 2: Some reference books are books intended for careful study.
Conclusion: Therefore, some reference books are textbooks.
Here, the middle term is "books intended for careful study", but it is not distributed in either premise. This means that the term does not cover all items in the category, leading to a faulty connection between the major term (textbooks) and the minor term (reference books).
Without proper distribution of the middle term, the conclusion that "some reference books are textbooks" is logically invalid.
Information Booster:
Undistributed Middle: Occurs when the middle term does not cover all elements in either premise, failing to connect the major and minor terms.
Distribution in Logic: A term is distributed if it refers to all members of its category.
Other Common Fallacies in Syllogisms:
Illicit Minor: The minor term is distributed in the conclusion but not in the premise.
Illicit Major: The major term is distributed in the conclusion but not in the premise.
Four Terms: Occurs when more than three terms are used in a syllogism, making it invalid.
Valid Syllogism: Requires that the middle term be distributed at least once.
Critical Thinking: Helps identify logical errors and ensures arguments are sound.