Logically Fallacious Resources
Debate techniques that make arguments clearer
Better debate is not louder debate. It is the discipline of representing the other side accurately, testing evidence fairly, and knowing when a persuasive move is not a sound argument.
Represent the argument charitably
Before answering an argument, restate the strongest fair version of it. This helps avoid straw man replies and keeps the debate on the actual claim.
Separate rhetoric from support
A memorable line, emotional example, or confident delivery can be persuasive without proving anything. Ask what evidence would make the conclusion more likely.
Know when to stop labeling
Calling out a fallacy can help, but the useful technique is to explain why the reasoning does not support the conclusion and then return to the evidence.
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Related fallacies
See all fallaciesStrawman Fallacy
Substituting a person’s actual position or argument with a distorted, exaggerated, or misrepresented version of the position of the argument.
Ad Hominem (Abusive)
Attacking the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself, when the attack on the person is completely irrelevant to the argument the person is making.
Red Herring
Attempting to redirect the argument to another issue that to which the person doing the redirecting can better respond. While it is similar to the avoiding the issue fallacy, the red herring is a deliberate diversion of attention with the intention of trying to abandon the original argument.
Appeal to Ridicule
Presenting the argument in such a way that makes the argument look ridiculous, usually by misrepresenting the argument or the use of exaggeration.
False Dilemma
When only two choices are presented yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists between two extremes. False dilemmas are usually characterized by “either this or that” language, but can also be characterized by omissions of choices. Another variety is the false trilemma, which is when three choices are presented when more exist.
Moving the Goalposts
Demanding from an opponent that he or she address more and more points after the initial counter-argument has been satisfied refusing to conceded or accept the opponent’s argument.