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Straw Man

F113Informal - Relevance/Distraction

Also known as: Straw Person, Misrepresentation

Difficulty 2/10Low-Medium LoadExtremely Common

Definition

Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, then refuting this misrepresentation instead of the actual argument.

Why Invalid

It doesn't address the real argument, only a distorted version of it. Refuting a position nobody holds doesn't advance the discussion.

Examples

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  1. Compare original argument to refutation
  2. Check for exaggeration or oversimplification
  3. Look for added elements not in original
  4. Verify if strongest version of argument is addressed
  • Genuine misunderstanding vs deliberate distortion
  • Not recognizing when you're strawmanning yourself
  • Confusing with weak man fallacy
GaslightingThought-Terminating ClichéStatus Quo Bias

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