In the preceding discussion of existential import, it was shown why, in the Boolean interpretation of propositions adopted in this book, most of the inferences that traditionally were thought to be valid are not valid. These inferences mistakenly assume that certain classes have members, thereby committing the existential fallacy. This fallacy is committed in each of the arguments presented below. Explain the point or points at which, in each argument, the mistaken existential assumption is made.

(1) No acrobat is one who can lift himself by his own bootstraps; therefore, 

(2) No one who can lift himself by his own bootstraps is an acrobat; therefore , 

(3) Someone who can lift himself by his own bootstraps is not an acrobat.

(From which it follows that there is at least one being who can lift himself by his own bootstraps.)