How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
Strawman
Disciplines > Argument > Fallacies > Strawman Description | Discussion | Example | See also
DescriptionYou have a several arguments for your case. I disprove one of those arguments, therefore the whole case is false. Rather than attack the strongest argument, go for a weak one that is easier to attack. Seek to change their real position to that where you can attack it. ExampleAstrology may be unproven, but neither has it been proved to be false. You said the common man is important, so show me this 'common man'. You want to spend less on education. Do you really want to cripple this country's future? DiscussionBy picking on a weak part of the argument and making a big deal of it, attention is distracted from the stronger reasons that should be the main part of the discussion. The basic assumption is that if one small part of an argument can be proved false then, by association, the whole argument is also false. A weak argument is one made of straw that is easily knocked over. Hence the name 'strawman'. ClassificationSee also
|
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
You can buy books here |
And the big |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|
Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
|