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July 15, 2024
What's the difference between a memoir and an autobiography?
Explore the differences between memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies.
Learn moreYou’ve likely come across a straw man argument, one of the most common logical fallacies we see in arguments and debates. Learn how to identify flaws in other people’s arguments so you can promote critical thinking, add merit to your own arguments, and become a better communicator.
Before diving into the straw man argument, it’s important to understand what a logical fallacy is: an error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or unsound. There are many types of logical fallacies other than the straw man argument. Some other common logical fallacies include the red herring fallacy (a distraction from the core argument), the ad hominem fallacy (a personal or irrelevant attack), and the slippery slope fallacy (an escalation without basis).
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Learn MoreHere, a straw man argument is one that creates an exaggerated or distorted point to an argument that can easily be attacked. The straw man argument allows the arguer to easily refute their stance by weakening their opponent’s argument, yet it doesn’t strike at the core of the topic being discussed.
“Straw man” comes from the idea that a scarecrow can easily be destroyed as it’s a weak, inanimate opponent. This type of argument is frequently used by politicians to garner support and attack their adversaries.
Here are some signs you’re witnessing (or using) a straw man argument:
There are many ways a straw man argument can be used. For example, if a parent tells their child they can’t see their friends tonight and the child responds, “Why do you hate me?” the child’s response is a straw man argument because it creates an exaggeration. The child’s argument inserts an extreme opinion that the parent didn’t make.
Here’s another example of a straw man argument:
In this argument, Person B makes the straw man argument by using an extreme stance that Person A never made. Person A simply wants to create more rules surrounding plastic bags, not ban them completely.
Here’s another example of a straw man argument:
In this example, Person B is misrepresenting Person A’s argument by exaggerating it to an extreme. Person A just said we should allocate more money towards education, not put all money towards education. Person B is trying to make Person A’s argument seem unreasonable and easier to dismiss without engaging in the real argument at hand.
The best way to avoid a straw man argument from being used on you is by using clear and specific language. This gives your opponent less room to twist your argument. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to completely avoid a straw man argument from coming up. Here’s what you can do if someone tries to use a straw man argument toward you:
Understanding the straw man argument can sharpen your logic and reasoning skills. Learning the art of rhetoric can help you strengthen your arguments, whether you’re writing a strong persuasive essay or establishing a thesis statement.
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