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The logical fallacy of changing the subject in an argument is called a "red herring." It involves diverting attention away from the original issue being discussed by introducing a different topic that is not relevant to the argument at hand.

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Fallacy of assumption?

'Fallacy of Assumption' describes a class of formal and informal logical fallacies that are to do with a flaw in an argument's assumptions.A common example of a fallacy of assumption (there are others) is when someone assumes the very thing they are trying to prove. This is commonly known as begging the question, or petitio principii.The nature of this fallacy is obvious in the following form:P1: Fairies ExistThereforeC2: Fairies ExistIt's clear that the form of the argument above could be used to 'prove' anything.As the argument becomes increasingly elaborate, it becomes easier to miss the fallacy.P1: Fairies ExistP2: Only fairies can make gardens that are extremely beautifulP3: My garden is extremely beautifulTherefore (from P1, P2 and P3)C1: My garden was made extremely beautiful by fairiesTherefore (from C1)C2: Fairies ExistArguments that commit a fallacy of assumption can easily hide the fallacy by rendering it implicit. This means making a premise in the argument that implies the fallacious assumption without explicitly stating it. In the example immediately above, the statement that 'only fairies can make gardens extremely beautiful' has the assumption that fairies exist built into it. Because of this, P1 can be furtively omitted, giving the logical form below.P1: Only fairies can make gardens that are extremely beautifulP2: My garden is extremely beautifulTherefore (from P1 and P2)C1: My garden was made extremely beautiful by fairiesTherefore (from C1)C2: Fairies existThis argument could be delivered in speech in something like the following manner:My garden is extremely beautiful. Sure, I work at it. But no one can make a garden this beautiful - no one human, anyway. Only fairies could have done it! I know that fairies had to have made my garden so beautiful, and that's how I know that fairies really exist.The example may seem silly given the subject matter is fairies. However, arguments of a similar form are very common for other ideas.


What are examples of ignoring the question fallacy?

Examples of the ignoring the question fallacy include changing the subject when someone asks a difficult question, providing irrelevant information in response to a specific inquiry, or deflecting attention away from the original topic by giving unrelated answers.


What is the subject of an argument?

The subject of an argument is the topic or issue being discussed or debated. It represents the main point of contention between the parties involved in the argument.


How do you twist an argument to support your views?

Knowing the subject well enough to argue both sides is a good start. If you can do that, sooner or later your opponent will say something that is either wrong or not entirely correct and give you the opening you need.


What is the term frame-shifting in Philosophy?

"Frame shifting" is a diversionary tactic used in rhetoric as a way of flip-flopping between one or more moot points. The focal point of an argument is thus changed over and is never addressed or given a chance to bring to its logical conclusion. Because the focus of the argument is thrown into disarray it thus gives the erroneous illusion that your opponent cannot successfully argue against your position or that you have refuted him/her. FS is similar to changing the subject. The term frame shifting is based off of the analogy of someone who is just taking a frame from a picture and running around showing you different things. "Hey look at this! Ok but what about this! Oh or this!" The argument can take the following form, Jess: Al why haven't you cleaned your room? Al: Oh yah well what about you! You haven't done the dishes yet! Jess: What does that have to do with cleaning your room? Al: You know what Mom use to do the dishes all the time and she never asked me to clean my room. Jess: ?? FS is not considered a fallacy because there is no argument being made. Before any of these moot points can be addressed the topic is changed. FS is however a rhetorical device and considered a bias/dishonest way of arguing. A person using FS may be working off of a presupposition or paradigm paralysis/confirmation bias.

Related Questions

Introducing irrelevant facts or arguments to distract from the subject under discussion is a type of logical fallacy?

ad hominem


Introducing irrelevant facts or arguments to distract from the subject under discussion is a type of logical fallacy called?

Introducing irrelevant facts or arguments to distract from the subject under discussion is a type of logical fallacy called a red herring. This tactic is often employed to divert attention away from the main issue being debated in order to confuse or manipulate the audience.


Fallacy of assumption?

'Fallacy of Assumption' describes a class of formal and informal logical fallacies that are to do with a flaw in an argument's assumptions.A common example of a fallacy of assumption (there are others) is when someone assumes the very thing they are trying to prove. This is commonly known as begging the question, or petitio principii.The nature of this fallacy is obvious in the following form:P1: Fairies ExistThereforeC2: Fairies ExistIt's clear that the form of the argument above could be used to 'prove' anything.As the argument becomes increasingly elaborate, it becomes easier to miss the fallacy.P1: Fairies ExistP2: Only fairies can make gardens that are extremely beautifulP3: My garden is extremely beautifulTherefore (from P1, P2 and P3)C1: My garden was made extremely beautiful by fairiesTherefore (from C1)C2: Fairies ExistArguments that commit a fallacy of assumption can easily hide the fallacy by rendering it implicit. This means making a premise in the argument that implies the fallacious assumption without explicitly stating it. In the example immediately above, the statement that 'only fairies can make gardens extremely beautiful' has the assumption that fairies exist built into it. Because of this, P1 can be furtively omitted, giving the logical form below.P1: Only fairies can make gardens that are extremely beautifulP2: My garden is extremely beautifulTherefore (from P1 and P2)C1: My garden was made extremely beautiful by fairiesTherefore (from C1)C2: Fairies existThis argument could be delivered in speech in something like the following manner:My garden is extremely beautiful. Sure, I work at it. But no one can make a garden this beautiful - no one human, anyway. Only fairies could have done it! I know that fairies had to have made my garden so beautiful, and that's how I know that fairies really exist.The example may seem silly given the subject matter is fairies. However, arguments of a similar form are very common for other ideas.


Which choice would be the most logical argument for buying new books for a school?

Knowledge in the subject has increased since the old books were bought - apex!


What is the difference between sound and unsound argument?

A sound argument is put forth by someone who knows all the facts of the situation and can convince someone by his knowledge on the subject. Unsound is someone arguing without knowing what the facts are, or what they are talking about.


What is the simple subject in the sentence This kind of argument is hard to answer?

"This argument" is the simple subject. "This kind of argument" is the subject (or compound subject). "is" is the predicate. "hard to answer" is the object.


What are examples of ignoring the question fallacy?

Examples of the ignoring the question fallacy include changing the subject when someone asks a difficult question, providing irrelevant information in response to a specific inquiry, or deflecting attention away from the original topic by giving unrelated answers.


What is the subject of an argument?

The subject of an argument is the topic or issue being discussed or debated. It represents the main point of contention between the parties involved in the argument.


In an argument what helps to establish the character and credibility of the writer or speaker?

In an argument, using reliable sources, presenting logical reasoning, and demonstrating expertise in the subject matter all help to establish the character and credibility of the writer or speaker. Additionally, maintaining a respectful and professional tone can also enhance credibility.


Which of the following argument is an argument of value?

Your question makes makes little sense. You do not state your subject of the argument.


In what subject do you need to use logical thinking?

One needs to use logical thinking in all subjects.


What In making his argument what form of persuasion does Defoe use?

Defoe uses logical persuasion by presenting facts, evidence, and reasoning to support his argument. He also utilizes emotional persuasion by appealing to the reader's feelings, values, and beliefs to create a connection and strengthen the impact of his message. Additionally, Defoe employs ethical persuasion by establishing his credibility and expertise on the subject matter, which enhances his argument's effectiveness.