How do you argue with...

bobballen_18 · #1 Jun 30, '12, 11:22 pm

...someone who constantly likes to point out one's fallacies, that are not actually fallacies? Like, you're saying some things and they point out your red herrings and straw men, etc.

I just need a short answer here. This isn't asking (fully, at least) about a real person; I just would like to know what you think. Do you just not argue with them unless they can prove it is a fallacy?

Poseidon · #2 Jun 30, '12, 11:50 pm

Look up the definition of the particular fallacy and then tell them why they are wrong. So for example, if they say you're begging the question, look up what exactly begging the question is, and then decide whether they're right or not.

kmuestwin · #3 Jul 1, '12, 1:45 am

I end the conversation.

englishredrose · #4 Jul 1, '12, 4:02 am

Just smile and walk away or simply agree with them saying they are so right and end it there every time. It might confuse them somewhat....

Alder · #5 Jul 1, '12, 8:30 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobballen_18

Do you just not argue with them unless they can prove it is a fallacy?

Why not just ask them why they think it is a fallacy?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobballen_18

...someone who constantly likes to point out one's fallacies, that are not actually fallacies? Like, you're saying some things and they point out your red herrings and straw men, etc.

It could be a communication problem. A speaker may take a long time to "get to the point" while a listener may mistake his long-windedness for a red herring.

TylerEast · #6 Jul 1, '12, 9:13 am

If someone says stuff that you don't agree with/understand/etc then ask them to explain it in depth. If they say you're using a straw man, ask them exactly what they mean by that and how so?

You'd be amazed what can happen when people try to understand each other's viewpoints.

ccmnxc · #7 Jul 9, '12, 5:04 pm

It depends. If you are debating online, you should probably just take Poseidon's advice. If it is in person and you have access to the definition, do the same. If you don't, either say you'll get back to them and follow through, or just end the conversation right there.
This is all after your best explanations as to why he's wrong don't work, and you don't have any success when asking him to go more in depth.

Katholish · #8 Jul 9, '12, 5:24 pm

If someone is not approaching a conversation honestly and at least somewhat openly, there seems little point to the discussion.