solo1's Top Ten Message Board Debating Errors


1. Non Sequitur: A statement that does not follow logically from what has just been said; a conclusion that does not follow.

2. (Hasty) generalisations: A statment based on unreliable, too little, or biased evidence; extrapolating a general event from an individual event.

3. Ad hominem: Attacking a person who presents an argument rather than dealing with the argument logically.

4. Bandwagon: Arguing that if everyone is doing something, it must be OK.

5. Circular reasoning ("begging the question"): An assertion that re-states the point just made, or is included as part of its own proof.

6. Red Herring: Dodging the real issue by drawing attention to something irrelevant.

7. Post Hoc, Ergo Procter Hoc: "After this, so because of this", assuming that sequence implies causality.

8. Either ... or: Stating that only two choices exist when there are more.

9. False analogy: Assuming that because two things are alike in some ways, they must be alike in other, unconnected, ways.

10. Equivocation: A statement that relies on the mis-reading of a particular sense of a word.

And just bubbling under - Straw Man: Effectively demolishing an argument other than the one in question.


...and from the general to the specific

These are all arguments that have been used against me more than once on different message boards, internet forums etc. If you're going to say something stupid, at least try to be original and avoid the following:

1. "Yes, you're right about everything, how silly of me.": Sarcastically agreeing with me doesn't work when all your arguments have been effectively countered, genius. Just think of a reason why you believe the things you do.

2. "You don't know everything.": Yes, I know. So, are you going to help me learn something, or are you just going to sit there advertising your stupidity?

3. "I'm entitled to my opinion.": Yes, everyone is entitled to any dumbass opinion he wants to have.

4. "They laughed at Galileo.": Yes, but the reason Galileo was right wasn't because people were laughing at him.

5. "It's not what you're saying, it's the way you're saying it.": Make a point or get out of the argument; the grown-ups are talking.