A recent experience on another forum made me realize that rules should be in place to restrict behaviors that serve to mislead others. An example of this behavior is misrepresenting a position or someone's views. Another example is misdirection which is something that a lot of politicians use (refer to the quoted information below on misdirection). For now, I'm thinking of prohibiting such behaviors and escalating it to a violation after the person continues such behavior even after being notified about it.
Here's a site that offers a good explanation for 'misdirection' in the context of an argument:
Here's another good explanation:
Here's a site that offers a good explanation for 'misdirection' in the context of an argument:
Source: How to find logical fallacies in opponents’ arguments - Public leadership Institute(1) Red Herring Fallacy Also known as: misdirection, smokescreen, clouding the issue, beside the point, and the Chewbacca defense.
A Red Herring argument is one that changes the subject, distracting the audience from the real issue to focus on something else where the speaker feels more comfortable and confident.
EXAMPLE: It may be true that the minimum wage should be adjusted, but the real solution is to eliminate burdensome government regulations so businesses can grow and are able to pay their employees higher salaries.
Your response should be: It’s not an either-or question. Right now we’re debating specific legislation before the legislature/council to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour. I’m saying it provides hard-working families with income to spend on their basic needs. Let’s focus on that.
Here's another good explanation:
Source: https://pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu/eng-102/chapter/fallacies-failures-in-argument/Red Herring – Changing topics to avoid the point being discussed. A bait and switch. This is an argument tactic in which one attempts to change the conversation – bringing up information that is not relevant or the claim or point being debated – in order to try to control the conversation. This can be a way to avoid having to address or answer the question at hand – and it harms the quality of an argument.
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