Straw Man Fallacy

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGZkCPo7tC0&t=12s

How can one effectively respond to a straw man argument

PERPLEXITY

To effectively respond to a straw man argument, one can follow these tips:

1. Point out the straw man: Show the opponent that their rendition of your argument is a distortion.
2. Ignore it: One can choose to ignore the straw man argument and continue elaborating on the original point.
3. Challenge the opponent: Ask the opponent to justify their distorted view and explain how it is identical or equivalent to the original assertion.
4. Use a "steel man" rhetorical response: Rephrase the opponent's argument in the most positive and charitable way possible. Ask for their agreement with your rephrasing, and then state your original point.
5. Draw attention to the fallacy: Ask the opponent to show how the original statement and their distorted version are the same. Since these are different, the opponent will either have to admit that their argument is invalid or try to justify it by using more flawed reasoning, which can then be attacked.

By following these tips, one can effectively respond to a straw man argument and steer the discussion back to the original point.