17th May 2005, 12:32 AM
Not that this applies or anything, but I found this lovely phrase that I think ABF will love.
Quote:Straw Man Tactic
Definition:
The author attacks an argument which is different from, and usually weaker than, the opposition's best argument.
Examples:
People who opposed the Charlottetown Accord probably just wanted Quebec to separate. But we want Quebec to stay in Canada.
We should have conscription. People don't want to enter the military because they find it an inconvenience. But they should realize that there are more important things than convenience.
Proof:
Show that the opposition's argument has been misrepresented by showing that the opposition has a stronger argument. Describe the stronger argument.
References:
Cedarblom and Paulsen: 138
"On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question." ~ Charles Babbage (1791-1871)