Argument Presentation
Step into the art of argument presentation, where style and substance intertwine, inviting you to discern the persuasive from the purely rhetorical.
Ad Hominem
Imagine a debate where instead of tackling the issue, one side attempts to discredit the other by attacking their character, motives, or personal traits. This diversionary tactic, derived from the Latin phrase 'against the man', is an unfair strategy that shifts focus from the actual argument to the person involved, undermining their credibility to weaken their position, regardless of the strength of their arguments.
Alternative Advance
An Alternative Advance is a cunning debate strategy that traps you between a rock and a hard place, forcing you to pick from two seemingly only, yet equally unappealing, options while conveniently ignoring the spectrum of other viable choices. It's a masterclass in manipulation, creating a false binary dilemma out of a complex issue, and cornering you into a position that's tough to defend, no matter which path you choose.
Appeal To Authority
Beware the seductive power of an expert's words, for they can lead you into a trap of flawed reasoning. This occurs when we accept a claim as truth, not on its own merit or backed by evidence, but simply because an authority figure or so-called expert has said it - a dangerous assumption that can lead us astray, especially when the authority is out of their depth, biased, or has a hidden agenda. Remember, even the most knowledgeable expert's opinion is no substitute for logical argument or empirical evidence.