Definition

What about this? 
 You can’t define in the moment the concept you are trying to talk about. Therefore the concept doesn’t exist and you have no idea what you’re talking about. 

Person 1: Wokeness is destroying society

 

Person 2: Define wokeness

Person 1 in the moment is at a loss for words.

Person 2: See, you don’t even know what you’re talking about. This is a bunch of bullshit, there’s no such thing as what you are talking about. 

When someone makes a claim about the effects of X, they need to understand X to the extent that the can justify their claim. So person 1 is being unreasonable making such a claim.

At the same time, person 2's claim that because person 1 cannot define X then the claim is not true is a classic argument from ignorance .

There is no single agreed-upon definition of the term “woke.” Therefore, Person 1 would be in a better position to use a different word, a word that both participants can agree on the definition of. 

This scenario exemplifies several instances of poor reasoning, logical fallacies, and potential cognitive biases. Let's break them down:

### 1. **Ad Hominem Fallacy**
Person 2 attacks Person 1's ability to define "wokeness" rather than addressing the actual argument.

- **Example:** "See, you don’t even know what you’re talking about."
- **Issue:** This is an ad hominem fallacy wherein the focus is shifted from the argument to the individual's capability or credibility.

### 2. **Straw Man Fallacy**
Person 2 dismisses the entire concept of "wokeness" based on Person 1's inability to define it on the spot.

- **Example:** "Therefore the concept doesn’t exist and you have no idea what you’re talking about."
- **Issue:** Person 2 is misrepresenting Person 1's argument by oversimplifying it or attacking a weaker version of it.

### 3. **False Dichotomy (Either/Or Fallacy)**
The argument implies that if Person 1 cannot define "wokeness" instantly, the concept must not exist.

- **Example:** “Therefore the concept doesn’t exist and you have no idea what you’re talking about.”
- **Issue:** This is a false dichotomy because it ignores other possibilities, such as the concept existing but Person 1 struggling to articulate it in the moment.

### 4. **Appeal to Ignorance**
Person 2 assumes that because Person 1 cannot define "wokeness" right then and there, it means the concept does not exist.

- **Example:** "This is a bunch of bullshit, there’s no such thing as what you are talking about."
- **Issue:** This fallacy states that something is false simply because it has not been proven true, which is not sound logic.

### 5. **Psychological Projection (Cognitive Bias)**
Person 2 might be projecting their frustration or need for intellectual dominance onto Person 1.

- **Example:** The dismissal of Person 1’s perspective merely because they are at a loss for words.
- **Issue:** This could be driven by Person 2’s cognitive bias that values immediate articulation over the substance of the argument.

### 6. **Confirmation Bias (Cognitive Bias)**
Person 2 might be predisposed to dismiss arguments they disagree with and thus jumps quickly to discredit Person 1.

- **Example:** The readiness to dismiss "wokeness" as “a bunch of bullshit”.
- **Issue:** Person 2 is likely only considering information or actions that confirm their pre-existing beliefs.

### Better Approach:
Person 2 could have asked for more clarification calmly or acknowledged that defining complex social concepts can be challenging and might require a nuanced discussion:
- **Example:** "It can be tough to define concepts like 'wokeness' on the spot; maybe you can share some examples or explain what aspects you think are problematic?"

This approach encourages a more constructive and meaningful dialogue, avoiding logical fallacies and promoting understanding.