deepstash
Beta
Avery B.
@averyb33
The argument from dictionary
The argument from a dictionary is a logical fallacy and happens when someone's argument is based, in a problematic way, on the definition of a particular term as it appears in a dictionary. The problem with these arguments:
- Dictionaries are descriptive, meaning that they attempt to describe how people use the language. It is not prescriptive in that it instructs them how to do so in a definitive manner.
- Dictionaries don't always reflect the meaning of words as they're used by people.
- Different dictionaries can list different definitions for a given term, and may even have several definitions for the same word.
119 SAVES
573 READS
TOPICS IN THIS IDEA
RELATED ARTICLES & IDEAS
Vanessa
@vanessaw752
Circumlocution: Too Many Words
People often say something using more words than required, usually to be vague or misleading. This phenomenon, known as circumlocution, is often intentional and a ploy used by politicians ...
Why Circumlocution Happens
The act of saying a lot but in essence saying nothing at all is also described as ‘beating around the bush’ by many.
People use too many words intentionally in order to:
- Hiding their stance.
- Shifting attention away from the current topic.
- Avoiding answering personal questions.
- Avoid sharing the truth.
Non-Malice Circumlocution
Many of us use circumlocution unintentionally or in situations that are harmless, using way too many words when we:
- Don’t know the exact phrase or word.
- Are speaking and thinking at the same time.
- Are avoiding using technical jargon.
- Are feeling awkward discussing something.
- Are being polite to the other person by using familiar phrases.
- Are creating a rhyme or a literary effect.
- Are learning to communicate in a foreign language.
Lila S.
@lila_ls86
The Gish gallop
It is a rhetorical technique that involves overwhelming your opponent with numerous vague arguments, with no regard for accuracy, validity, or relevance of those arguments.
Examples of Gish gallops
A classic example is when a proponent of some pseudoscience bombards an expert with many weak arguments and start a new argument each time the expert successfully refute one of them.
But Gish gallops also appear in less formal contexts. E.g., someone who wants to support an unfounded stance on social media might post a huge list of irrelevant sources that they didn't actually read.
Arguments within a Gish gallop
When responding to specific arguments within a Gish gallop, you can use certain techniques to respond effectively to the flawed arguments.
- When someone states there is support for their stance, you can ask your opponent to list the specific evidence they claim support their view.
- When responding to generalised claims, show that they contradict the scientific consensus on the topic.
Elena X.
@elenxx444
The Argument from Incredulity: How People Explain What They Don't Understand
Basic structure of an argument from incredulity
Premise 1: I can’t explain or imagine how proposition X can be true.
Premise 2: if a certain proposition is true, then I must be able to explain or imagine how that can be.
It’s ok to be incredulous
... and to bring this up as part of an argument. The issue with doing so occurs when this incredulity isn’t justified or supported by concrete information, and when this lack of belief is used in order to assume that a preferred personal explanation must be the right one, despite the lack of proof.
At the same time, it’s also important to remember that it’s possible that the person using the argument from incredulity is right, despite the fact that their reasoning is flawed.
Counter the argument from incredulity
- Explain why this sort of reasoning is fallacious: namely the fact that your opponent’s inability to explain a certain phenomenon or to understand a certain theory, does not invalidate current explanations for it.
- Shift the burden of proof back to your opponent: ask them to support their initial assertion, and explain why they are incredulous, and why they think that this validates their position.
- If possible, you should show that there is scientific evidence that can be used in order to explain the phenomenon that’s being discussed.
deepstash
helps you become inspired, wiser and productive, through bite-sized ideas from the best articles, books and videos out there.
Over 2M Installs
4.75 App Score
Deepstash is better on the app. Discover new ideas and get inspired daily.