The Sunday Stoic: Surviving the Strawman Fallacy

Have you ever tried to share an idea, but someone changes it into something easier to argue against??For example, if you suggest that children watch less TV, they might respond, "So you're saying we should take away all technology from kids?" Whether intentional or intentional, their response deviates from your idea and makes your input seem irrelevant. This is called the "straw man" fallacy, i.e., when someone modifies your argument to make it sound less rational. Unfortunately, such fallacies lead to unproductive discussions. However, we can solve problems more efficiently if we recognize these fallacies and work around them.

The straw man fallacy is named after making scarecrows out of straw. Its origin dates back to the ancient art of rhetoric, known as "ignoratio elenchi" or "ignorance of refutation." In debates, it happens when someone presents a weaker or distorted version of what you said. A famous example is Galileo (1564-1642 AD), a scientist from the Renaissance period. He had to correct many misunderstandings about his ideas on how the Earth moves around the Sun. People who believed that the Earth was the center of the universe would rebuke Galileo by asking questions like, "If the Earth is moving, why don't we fall on our face?" or "If it's spinning around, why aren't we thrown into space?" Thus, throughout history, this fallacy has been utilized to hinder progress, skirt responsibility, or disregard varying viewpoints.

The philosophy of Stoicism can help us deal with the straw man fallacy. Every day, discussions and narratives, particularly in online spaces, frequently become distorted. This often results in unproductive arguments over trivial matters. As Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) pointed out, "Everything we hear is someone's opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." The Stoics advocated for the use of reason and fairness to overcome the straw man fallacy. They emphasized the importance of clear communication. Straw man arguments can hinder meaningful discussions, so it is crucial to foster an atmosphere of open-mindedness and objectivity. By recognizing and addressing straw man arguments, we can be better contributors.

To identify the straw man fallacy, you can look for three things:

1. Check if they misunderstood or over-simplified your statement, making it different from what you originally meant. For example, if you say, "I don't want to start this project," they might think you mean, "You don't like your idea." But you really meant that you want to finish the work you already have.
2. Be careful if they bring up unrelated things. For example, if you say that a specific feature is impossible because of a problem with the design, they might respond by questioning if you're willing to work together at all.
3. Watch out if they care more about winning the argument than solving the problem. For example, if you express that a particular solution may not be the best option, others may go to great lengths to avoid considering the alternatives.

To avoid falling for the straw man fallacy, you could consider:

1. Being clear and precise when expressing your ideas so that people understand you correctly. For example, when you tell your team what to do, be clear and share clear instructions.
2. Supporting your argument with facts that everyone can agree on instead of just stating your opinion. Facts can be checked and proven, while opinions are harder to prove or challenge.
3. Thinking carefully about ideas before accepting or rejecting them. For example, if someone says their option is 100% perfect or someone else's is 100% terrible, ask them to explain why.

In essence, knowing how to spot and avoid the straw man fallacy is important to get more things done. This skill lets us share ideas that might change how others think or act. When someone uses a straw man fallacy, we should pick our words carefully, use facts, and stay focused on the main point. Doing this can help everyone learn and work better together. Seneca (4BC-65AD), a wise Stoic, once said, "We often suffer more in imagination than in reality." Remembering his words, we can make a space free from the confusion of straw man fallacies. This way, we can think more clearly, make better choices, and be more productive.

The views expressed in this essay are my own. They do not represent the views of any individuals, employers, or organizations I may be affiliated with. While I am not an expert in Stoicism, in my personal time, I find value in reading and writing about it for personal growth and self-reflection. If you have any thoughts on combining Stoicism and leadership, I welcome your input via LinkedIn messaging. And if you found this essay helpful, please share it on your LinkedIn profile to raise awareness about Stoicism. Thank you for supporting this essay series.