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Alice and Bob are two students who are habitual cheaters.

Alice to Bob: You really should stop cheating on your exams.
Bob to Alice: I'll stop cheating if you stop cheating too.
Does the hypothetical argument above fall under what aboutism?

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The conversation between Alice and Bob is an example of what aboutism, which is a deflection from the issue of cheating, a serious concern for academic integrity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hypothetical argument between Alice and Bob about cheating on exams can be considered an example of what aboutism, which is a fallacy that occurs when someone responds to an accusation or difficult question by making a counter-accusation or raising a different issue, without directly addressing the original point.

The scenario depicts both individuals acknowledging their dishonest behavior but using the other's actions as a rationale to continue their own cheating.

This behavior avoids talking about the immorality of cheating itself and rather focuses on the other person's similar misconduct as a deflection. Academic integrity is critical in education to ensure that students genuinely learn and earn their qualifications, maintaining trust in professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers.

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