Question

Which type of argumentative technique illustrates the straw man fallacy?

A.attacking the person holding an opposing view instead of rejecting the view



B.diverting the audience from the main topic of the argument



C.simplifying the opposing argument to more easily reject it



D.forming a hasty conclusion that is not supported by any evidence



E.making an emotional appeal instead of presenting supporting evidence for a claim

Answer 1

The correct answer is C.simplifying the opposing argument to more easily reject it

Step-by-step explanation

The fallacy is a term used for an argument that may seem logical and correct but is flawed. One type of fallacy is the straw man fallacy, which consists in modifying a valid argument of the rival by another that resembles him, but that is easier to refute, which affects the credibility of the other person. In addition, this is generally used to defend political, religious and social ideologies. An example follows.

In a debate on laws on alcohol and the legal minimum age to consume liquor, one of the speakers proposes that it should be considered to reduce the minimum age to consume liquor at 15 years, arguing that at that age, the body has the necessary development to withstand the effects of alcoholic beverages. In response to this position, another speaker (going to a straw man fallacy) argues that that would be crazy, saying that society will suffer great damage and problems if children are given alcohol indiscriminately.

According to the above, the second rapporteur responds to the argument raised by the first rapporteur by taking to the extreme what he had raised (he has equated 16-year-old children with children). So, the correct answer is C.simplifying the opposing argument to more easily reject it

Answer 2

Answer: C. simplifying the opposing argument to more easily reject it.

A straw man fallacy occurs when a person exaggerates, misrepresents or completely fabricates the opponent's argument, in order to make it easier to defeat. If you follow this strategy, your intention is to make it easier for you to present your own position as being the reasonable one. This is a common strategy during a debate, but it is a dishonest one, as it minimizes the legitimacy and strength of the opponent's argument.