Introduction
Philosophy is a science that contributes to explaining and understanding various behaviors and conclusions of individuals. The postulates and foundations of this science are of particular importance when considering how people present their arguments and make them more believable and persuasive to others. In this context, paying attention to such a phenomenon as the fallacy of the Straw Man, which focuses on the logical point of view of constructing an argument, is necessary. The fallacy of Straw Man study provides an awareness of this type of fallacy and allows for determining how it differs from simply disagreeing with someone else’s point of view.
Understanding the Straw Man Fallacy
First, it is necessary to understand the fallacy of the concept of Straw Man in psychology. This phenomenon is the “fallacy of misrepresenting a person’s views so they can be more easily attacked or dismissed” (Vaughn, 2021, p. 482). Often, this concept considers the consistency and reasoning that people adhere to when building their arguments and achieving the goal of defeating those to whom they are presented.
Any claim that becomes the center of an argument must be based on a particular kind of evidence. For example, an individual may say that “human activity has a detrimental effect on nature since production factories pollute the air with chemical waste.” This statement provides an explicit justification for the opinion presented. The fallacy of Straw Man forms the idea that this point of view is exaggerated. Thus, considering the earlier argument, the answer may be, “So, we should stop producing the necessary human products and switch to an uncivilized lifestyle?”
Distinguishing Straw Man from Simple Disagreement
Based on this information, the concept of the fallacy of Straw Man is different from just opposing someone else’s opinion. This is because when applying this kind of argument, the opponent’s main point of view becomes distorted, and it is “made to look more extreme or radical than it really is; it is now an easy target” (Vaughn, 2021, p. 34). The main reason for this kind of problem when discussing a particular topic or providing an opinion is an error in logical reasoning. In other words, those who adhere to the fallacy of Straw Man cannot make deductive or inductive arguments and instead try to downplay the interlocutors’ statements.
Real-Life Example of the Straw Man Fallacy
An example of an argument regarding junk food can also demonstrate a particular explicit understanding. Another instance might be that an individual may say that “eating food with a high content of fast carbohydrates is harmful to the human body.” This argument is based on the rationale that food with a high content of fast carbohydrates increases blood sugar and blood pressure and lacks nutrients.
In the context of the fallacy of Straw Man, the opponent can answer, “That is, we should stop eating this food altogether and eat only vegetables and fruits.” This instance shows that the person has moved to an extreme point, not considering that the opponent did not talk about the complete rejection of this kind of product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several fallacies may arise when providing arguments that can significantly negatively impact the conversation or dispute. One of the most distinctive is the fallacy of the Straw Man, which is based on misrepresenting a person’s views for their exaggeration and further disregard. This erroneous logical judgment differs from the usual objection since its purpose is not to provide an opposite opinion based on specific knowledge but to dismiss it to gain an advantage.
Reference
Vaughn, L. (2021). Philosophy here and now: Powerful ideas in everyday life. Oxford University Press.