What is straw man fallacy? How do politicians, TV anchors use straw man to mislead us? How can we win an argument using straw man? How can we avoid falling in the straw man fallacy and think smarter, deeper and better?

Straw man is a fallacy that happens when, instead of answering the original argument, someone creates a weaker version of the argument, the straw man, and then defeats that weakened argument. It is a very effective technique used all the world over for centuries. We see it being used everywhere - right from US Presidential debates to roadside discussions and water cooler conversations in offices. We see politicians use it frequently in rallies. We see people committed to an ideology use straw man to extricate themselves from a position they find difficulty answering counter arguments in.

It is important to note that when we give straw man arguments to ourselves while thinking about something or forming an opinion, it leads us deeper into confirmation bias (check out the detailed discussion of confirmation bias here: [ Ссылка ]) where we ignore any counter-evidence available and continue to hold on to an existing opinion. When we offer a straw man argument to someone else in a debate, people usually get stumped and it can be thought of as a win.

When someone gives you a straw man argument, identifying it and pointing it out is usually the best counter. Asking the person to respond to the original argument and not mislead the debate by the straw man works.

When you get into an argument, which you should not, especially with people you value, using straw man is intellectually dishonest because you are defending an opinion you yourself don't believe in and are doing so only because you already took a position. That's your choice really. If however, you do intend to win the argument despite it being intellectually dishonest, straw man is usually a very effective tactic. Mostly people are unable to spot it and it gives an impression that you have countered the original argument successfully.

Prashant Yadav is an author and an entrepreneur. A 3rd Dan Black Belt in Shito Ryu karate, he shares his life learnings, struggles and insights on this channel.

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