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DECISION & PROBLEM SOLVING
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COMMUNICATION
| Fallacy | Description | Example | Question to ask | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Red Herring | Introducing irrelevant details to divert attention. | "Instead of addressing the project delays, let's discuss the overall market conditions." | Is this point relevant to the issue we are discussing? |
| | Straw Man | Misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack. | "She said we should cut down on unnecessary meetings. She clearly doesn't care about teamwork at all." | Am I accurately representing the argument or simplifying it? |
| | Ad Hominem | Attacking the person instead of the argument. | "We shouldn't trust her approach because she's new to the industry." | Am I focusing on the person rather than the argument? |
| | Appeal to Authority | Relying on authority rather than evidence. | "Our CEO supports this idea, so it must be right." | Is there actual evidence to support this claim? |
| | Appeal to Emotion | Using emotions to persuade rather than facts. | "If we don't approve this, we'll disappoint everyone who worked hard on it." | Am I being influenced by emotions rather than facts? |
WHY IT MATTERS
In discussions, collaboration, or debates, people may—intentionally or unintentionally—use distraction or manipulation to defend their beliefs or gain an advantage.
These tactics can derail productive conversations, leading to decisions based on irrelevant or misleading information.
Identifying these fallacies is essential for maintaining focus and supporting rational, well-informed decision making.
WHAT TO DO
Stay focused on the core issue, avoiding distractions from irrelevant or emotionally charged points.
Focus on the argument itself, not the individual or authority figures presenting it. While reputable experts should not be dismissed outright, apply critical thinking and gauge your audience’s openness before challenging authority.
Be mindful of your discussion partner’s feelings, the influence they may hold, and any power dynamics at play, adopting the most strategic and effective stance.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Walton, D. (1979). Ignoratio elenchi: The red herring fallacy. Informal Logic, 2(3).
Tindale, C. W. (2007). Fallacies and argument appraisal. Cambridge University Press.
Walton, D. (1998). Ad hominem arguments. University of Alabama Press.
Walton, D. (2010). Appeal to expert opinion: Arguments from authority. Penn State Press.
Macagno, F., & Walton, D. (2014). Emotive language in argumentation. Cambridge University Press.
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