GRE General TestAnalytical WritingHard
A climate activist asserts that the only way to avert a global environmental catastrophe is for all developed nations to immediately cease all fossil fuel consumption. A critic responds by saying, 'So, you're suggesting we should plunge billions into poverty and dark ages just to save a few polar bears? That's ridiculous!' What logical fallacy is the critic employing?
- ASlippery Slope
- BRed Herring
- CAd Hominem
- DStraw Man
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Straw Man
The critic misrepresents the activist's argument by exaggerating its implications to an extreme and absurd degree ('plunge billions into poverty and dark ages,' 'save a few polar bears'). This distorted version of the argument is easier to attack, which is the definition of a straw man fallacy.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A slippery slope argues that one action will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences, which has some overlap but the *distortion* of the original argument is the more prominent fallacy here.
- B. A red herring distracts from the main argument by introducing an irrelevant topic, but here the critic is still addressing the core topic, albeit in a distorted way.
- C. Ad hominem attacks the person, not the argument itself, which is not what the critic is primarily doing.
Straw Man Fallacy
A straw man fallacy occurs when someone misrepresents or distorts an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, then attacks the distorted version rather than the actual argument.
- Involves creating an 'easy target' by exaggerating or oversimplifying the original argument.
- Allows the attacker to appear to win the debate without addressing the real issue.
- Often involves taking quotes out of context or focusing on minor points.
Memory trick: Misrepresentation MAKES arguments MUDDY.