A strawman argument, or attacking a strawman, is a common type of fallacious argument. The strawman argument mischaracterizes an opponent’s position then attacks the distorted version of the opponent’s argument. Done intentionally, the strawman argument creates an appearance the issue was addressed when, in actuality, the true issue was avoided and only the false representation of the issue was addressed. Done unintentionally, the strawman argument is a product of misunderstanding the issue.
The strawman argument can be structured as follows:
Person 1 raises an issue, makes a point, or asserts an argument
Person 2 mischaracterizes the issue
Person 2 then refutes the mischaracterized version of the argument Continue reading Attacking the Strawman
