Straw Man Allison & Summer

Definition of Fallacy Straw Man occurs when an opponent takes an original argument of his/her adversary and then offers a close limitation, or “straw man,” version of his argument. (Straw man-easy target)

Picture Analogy

Picture Analogy

Universal Example #1 Person A: We should liberalize laws on beer. Straw man arguments often arise in public debates such as a (hypothetical) prohibition debate. Person A: We should liberalize laws on beer. Person B: No, any society with unrestricted access to intoxicants loses its work ethic and goes only got immediate gratification.

Universal Example Explanation #1 This proposal was to relax laws on beer. Person B has exaggerated this to a position harder to defend, i.e. “unrestricted access to intoxicants.”

Universal Example #2 One straw man argument is seen between a parent and a child. Child: “Can we get a dog?” Parent: “No.” Child: “It would protect us.” Parent: “Still, no.” Child: “Why do you want to leave us and our house unprotected?”

Universal Example Explanation #2 The child in that situation may be making a straw man argument if the parent’s reasoning behind not getting a dog has nothing to do with protection but with other factors. Moreover, not getting a dog is not necessarily proof that the parent doesn’t want to protect the family and home as there are other means of protection.

The Crucible Example #1 Page 211- 4th Column Procter. I have no love for Mr. Parris. It is no secret. But God I surely love. Cheever. He plow on Sunday, sir. Danforth. Plow on Sunday! Cheever. I think it be evidence, John. I am an official of the court, I cannot keep it. Procter. I-I have once or twice plowed on Sunday. I have 3 children, sir, and until last year my land give little.

The Crucible Example #1 Procter and Cheever are arguing over Procter’s credibility and innocence in court. Cheever brings up plowing on Sundays to make the issue larger involving religion. By bringing up religion, it makes the issue a bigger deal than it is.

The Crucible Example #2 Elizabeth. John, with so many in the jail, more than Cheever’s help is needed now, I think. Would you favor me with this. Go to Abigail. Proctor. (his soul hardening as he senses…) What have I say to Abigail? Elizabeth. John- grant me this. You have a faulty understanding. There is a promise made in every bed- Procter. What promise? Elizabeth. Spoke or silent a promise is surely made. And she may date it now. I am sure she does- and thinks to kill me, then take my place.

The Crucible Example #2 John and Elizabeth are arguing over what Abigail means to John. He says that it was just emotional. When Elizabeth narrows the argument to a promise made in the bed, it makes it harder for John to defend.

Citations "Straw Man." Drury University, Springfield, Missouri. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. Lisle, Dr. Jason. "Logical Fallacies: Straw-Man Fallacy - Answers in Genesis." Answers in Genesis - Creation, Evolution, Christian Apologetics. Answers in Genesis, 28 Sept. 2009. Web. 13 Apr. 2011. "Exposure and Vulnerability." Web log post. All Things Wildly Considered. Blogspot, 10 Feb. 2011. Web. 13 Apr. 2011.

Citations Cont’d "Straw Man." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Apr. 2011. Christensen, Tricia. "What Is a Straw Man Argument?" WiseGEEK: Clear Answers for Common Questions. Conjecture Corporation, 6 Apr. 2011. Web. 14 Apr. 2011.