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Questions and Answers
A Strawman argument involves two imaginary persons.
False
In the example provided, if you do not go to bed early, you will inevitably become a decent escort lady.
False
The proponent is the person who presents the original statement and is considered the 'real man' in the argument.
False
Politician A's response in the debate about climate change is an example of a Strawman fallacy.
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A straw man argument involves distorting or misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.
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The term 'ignoratio elenchi' refers to when the conclusion changes into a new complete subject matter.
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Suppressed evidence refers to including all relevant data to strengthen an argument.
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Implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions was the main focus of the debate according to the text.
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Ambiguity in language can lead to fallacies of reasoning due to confusion in either the premise or conclusion.
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The term 'Strawman' means presenting a strong argument in favor of an opponent's position.
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An ambiguous word, phrase, or sentence in an argument always enhances clarity and understanding.
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Nescafe claims to contain more antioxidants than green tea, promoting itself as a healthier choice for wellness.
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Circular reasoning and begging the question are two different variants of the same fallacy.
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Petitio Principii is a Latin term that translates into English as 'beginning of the argument'.
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A complex question is one that is straightforward and easy to understand.
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Special pleading occurs when someone justifies an exemption without reasonable grounds.
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Weak analogy is also known as strong analogy due to its persuasive nature.
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In circular reasoning, the conclusion merely rephrases the premise without adding new information.
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Study Notes
Fallacies of Reasoning
- A fallacy is a mistaken belief or argument based on incorrect reasoning.
- Fallacies can lead to incorrect conclusions and mislead people.
Slippery Slope
- One action can lead to a series of negative events or consequences without sufficient evidence.
- Example: Not going to bed early can lead to failing in a nursing examination and ending up as an escort lady.
Irrelevant Thesis (Ignoratio Elenchi)
- Introducing a new, unrelated topic to divert attention from the original issue.
- Example: In a debate on climate change, a politician changes the subject to supporting local businesses.
Strawman
- Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.
- Example: Person A says children shouldn't run into busy streets, and Person B argues that it would be foolish to keep children indoors all day.
Suppressed Evidence
- Intentionally omitting relevant data to destroy an argument.
- Example: Nescafe advertisement claiming it has three times more antioxidants than green tea, but ignoring other relevant information.
Fallacies of Ambiguity
- Using ambiguous language to mislead or deceive.
- Examples: Petitio Principii, Complex Question, Special Pleading, and Weak Analogy.
Petitio Principii
- Begging the question or circular reasoning.
- Examples: Assuming a conclusion without proving it, or using a premise that needs proof.
Complex Question
- A question that is loaded with a hidden assumption or premise.
- Example: "Have you stopped visiting my wife?" assumes the person visited the wife in the first place.
Special Pleading
- Seeking exemption for oneself or others without reasonable justification.
- Example: Expecting police officers and their families to be exempt from traffic regulations.
Weak Analogy
- Making a false or questionable comparison between two things.
- Example: Comparing two things without sufficient evidence or logical reasoning.
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Description
Test your knowledge on identifying irrelevant thesis statements. Examine a series of events or consequences that are not supported by evidence in the given example. Choose the correct option to determine the presence of an ignoratio elenchi fallacy.
