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In the first two installments of this series, we explored the foundational pillars of effective arguing. Today, we're diving into a critical skill: identifying individuals to avoid—those who employ dishonorable tactics and manipulative arguments. These strategies often serve to exploit emotions or derail rational discussions. Recognizing and countering such maneuvers is vital.
Be Subtle, Watchful, and Alert
When dealing with individuals prone to emotional outbursts or manipulative tendencies, it’s important to remain calm and approach the situation with curiosity. Here are some of the most common tactics to watch for and effectively counter:
01) Ad Hominem Attacks: This occurs when someone resorts to personal insults rather than addressing the argument. The best response? Ignore the insult and refocus on the topic. Alternatively, disengage entirely, as debating with such individuals is typically unproductive.
02) False Choice Fallacy: A manipulative oversimplification, often framing the argument as “either for us or against us.”
Countermeasure: reframe the options to highlight nuances.
Example:
Manipulative argument: “If we build the railway, either it will be empty and a waste of money, or it will cause unbearable traffic.”
Counter: “If we build the railway, it might be underutilized and ease road congestion, or it could thrive and prove financially successful.”
03) Overgeneralization: Sweeping statements invite exceptions. This tactic undermines credibility.
04) Red Herrings: Introducing irrelevant material to distract from the topic. Stay vigilant for shifts in focus, especially when your opponent feels cornered.
Example:
X: “How dare you forget my birthday?”
Y: “You’re so handsome when you’re upset!”
05) Circular Arguments: Using two unverified claims to validate each other.
Example: “God exists because the Bible says so, and the Bible is trustworthy because it’s the word of God.”
Counter by demanding independent evidence for both claims.
06) Loaded Questions: Questions that contain an implicit assumption, often untrue.
Example: “Have you stopped beating your wife?”
Response: Use the “Agree and Amplify” strategy: “Please don’t tell me I need to stop robbing banks and beating my wife—those are my hobbies!”
07) Literalism: A tendency to fixate on the precise wording of a statement, often disregarding its intended meaning.
Literalist: “We promised a refund, but we didn’t specify it would be a full refund.”
Response: Reframe their intent to highlight the fallacy.
For instance: “By failing to clarify, I naturally assumed the term ‘refund’ carried its usual, full meaning.”
08) Hostile Association: Attempting to discredit an argument by linking it to an unpopular entity.
Example: “You shouldn’t be vegetarian—Hitler was one!”
Counter: Point out the irrelevance of the association.
09) Begging the Question: Arguments that restate the conclusion as their premise.
Example: “Abortion is murder because it kills an innocent child.”
Response: Identify the circular reasoning and demand independent support for the premise.
10) Slippery Slope: Claiming one action will inevitably lead to extreme consequences.
Counter: Deny the inevitability or highlight where a reasonable line can be drawn.
Example: “If we ban unhealthy foods, we’ll soon ban personal freedoms.”
Counter: “Banning unhealthy foods doesn’t imply banning personal freedoms; it’s about public health.”
11) "What If" Scenarios: Introducing extreme hypotheticals to derail rational discourse.
Counter: Show the absurdity or irrelevance of the scenario.
Example: “What if an earthquake destroys California after we move?”
Response: “Earthquakes are a risk, but so is staying where we are. Let's manage realistic probabilities.”
12) Straw Man Arguments: Misrepresenting your position to make it easier to attack.
Counter: Clarify your actual stance and disassociate from the exaggerated claims.
13) Two Wrongs Fallacy: Justifying wrongdoing by pointing out others’ faults.
Example: “Bribery is fine because everyone does it.”
Response: Highlight that moral standards aren’t dictated by others’ actions.
14) The Power of Silence
As Josh Billings said, “Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute.” Sometimes, a pause speaks volumes.
15) When You’re Stuck: Feeling cornered? Suggest revisiting the discussion later or use stock phrases to regain control:
Exhibit A: “Could you clarify that in simpler terms?”
Exhibit B: “What are the underlying assumptions?”
16) Reversing the Sword: A bold tactic for confronting manipulative or emotionally volatile individuals. Disrupt their flow by interjecting unrelated or shocking statements.
Example:
Person A: “Thank God that dictator Assad is gone!”
Person B: “Yes, now ISIS can have free reign—what a triumph.”
