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Bob M.

The Bald-Faced Lie (boldly declaring the exact opposite is true)

Too often, politicians will attempt to fend off anticipated criticism by taking the key fact upon which the criticism will rest, and boldly declaring the exact opposite is true. By so doing, they force attackers to adopt a defensive - and weaker - position. What fallacy?

asked on Thursday, Mar 26, 2020 10:46:27 AM by Bob M.

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Bryan
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It's just a rhetorical tactic. When the rightful criticism comes it is has already had its sting removed somewhat, and the focus is moved to how the opponent is doing exactly the "unfair" thing which was predicted, and paints the original person as a victim. 

It's similar to poisoning the well but I don't think it's quite the same as it is dealing directly with the point rather than undermining via something irrelevant to the point. 

 

answered on Thursday, Mar 26, 2020 11:14:26 AM by Bryan

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Jason Mathias
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I believe this might be gaslighting, which isn't a fallacy but is a psychological manipulation tactic based on purposely lying instead of a flaw in their reasoning. 

answered on Thursday, Mar 26, 2020 10:55:10 AM by Jason Mathias

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Bob M. writes:

Thank you Jason, I agree - that best fits the psychological manipulation technique I described. Would "gaslighting" also apply when legislation is titled by its author(s) to suggest its intended purpose is the opposite of what it was designed to achieve (for example, a bill permitting the clearcutting of redwood forests titled "The Redwoods Forest Protection Act")?

posted on Thursday, Mar 26, 2020 11:17:35 AM
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Jason Mathias writes:
[To Bob M.]

"Would "gaslighting" also apply when legislation is titled by its author(s) to suggest its intended purpose is the opposite of what it was designed to achieve (for example, a bill permitting the clearcutting of redwood forests titled "The Redwoods Forest Protection Act")?"

I would say that is more of a covertly deceptive act to achieve a specific political agenda or goal. Gaslighting is usually done to make the victim question their own sanity and self-esteem. But this trick some politicians and law makers use is more of a covert deception if not a flat out lie. The closest fallacy that I can think of might be a bait and switch fallacy. 

[ login to reply ] posted on Thursday, Mar 26, 2020 02:33:26 PM