Poisoning the Well
Whether you are observing a discussion or engaging in a debate yourself, watch out for rhetorical tricks designed to discredit an argument without actually addressing the argument in question. Once you see the trick, you will also recognize when you are tempted to use it yourself as well, and will then be better equipped to make stronger cases for your own position instead.
When an argument is presented, is the case built on a foundation of reason and evidence, or does it begin with an attack on the character of the people who hold an opposing view? This can be blatant or subtle.
"That's socialist/fascist/etc."
So what? I don't care for socialism or fascism, but an immediate leap to apply a label usually has no bearing on the argument someone is making. Too many people like to apply labels improperly, and this also dilutes the meaning of words in rational discourse.
"We care about the children/animals/environment/etc."
Implying from the start that opposing your proposal necessarily means opposing the principle in question is dishonest. People can diagnose a problem differently and prescribe a completely different solution to the problem as a result. The larger the problem, the more likely it is to have a complex cause and thus a complex solution. To declare that opposing a particular analysis of a given problem means not caring about the problem is absurd.
"We just want common-sense regulations and restrictions!"
Claiming your proposal is "common sense" doesn't make it common sense. You're just trying to demean the other party as irrational without having to actually make a case to support your own position. Further, what people believe to be "common sense" is often quite simply wrong.
"I want to feel safe," or, "That makes me feel upset!"
Other people have no direct control over how you feel, and your emotional perceptions do not define what is right. People can feel good about things that in fact violate the rights of others. That is not to say that feelings have no place in discussions involving relationships, such as with family members, but it has no place in dictating public policy or supporting a violation of the rights of others.
So much truth here. I took a philosophy course many moons ago (20 yrs... cough! cough!) and it was one of the few courses that gave me any usable skills. Of course, I don't remember all the details, but the overall lesson was regarding the fallacies used in arguments and it was an eye-opening experience. We held debates each week in class and it was astonishing how programmed we all were to use arguments like the statements you shared in your post! Even once we were aware of them and actively trying to avoid them!
To be clear, I am not in any way defending them, but I think it is a very small percentage that is even aware of this. As I've grown older and my perspective has changed, I find myself more and more aware of these things and it's maddening, saddening, frustrating. So, I try to shake it off and focus on teaching my children to be critical thinkers and to have purpose in their words and to be clear in their intentions. Thanks for a well-written and informative post.
I recall learning about logical fallacies and how it helped me to learn how to avoid being manipulated by those who are pushing their personal agendas or using emotionalism to stir up social frenzy - a perfect example of this is the recent Parkland shooting - specifically "common sense gun laws."
As a person who has spent the last few days assaulted by a situation completely derived from emotional perceptions, I about leapt out of my bed in joy when I read this. People who go through life believing that the truth is only derived from what they feel cause a lot of pain.
Thanks for the reminder to keep the well clean.
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What specifically do you like about my posts? A substantive comment instead of generic compliments would be helpful. And compliments without upvotes indicate you're only fishing for upvotes yourself. That is disgusting, uncivilized behavior.