Logic Lessons
Posted by Chris L on Jul 31st, 2007
2007
Jul 31
In answer to a request to document the different logical fallacies we most often confront, I have added a new section to the blog in the upper right column, entitled The Use of Logic. Over time, I will gradually add to this page a small library of argument types which can be linked to within your comments as you see such things exhibited.
The first fallacy I’ve documented is probably the one we see most often, the straw man. Because practice builds skill in recognition, I would suggest that you read it so that you understand the theory and then bop on over to Slice, AM or C?N so that you can practice your skills at recognizing straw man arguments in action!
July 31st, 2007 at 3:18 pm
The really funny thing is that sometimes those sites set up straw men and can’t even knock them down. It’s like they try to defeat a logical fallacy by using another logical fallacy.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Yes, phil, it’s almost sad to see someone create a straw man, only to have it best them (or their proxy straw man) in battle.
July 31st, 2007 at 7:22 pm
I’m so surprised that you started with straw man. :).