Introduction
An argument is used to support conclusion. An argument uses a set of facts or assumptions. An argument is a reason or reasons offered for or against something.
A set of facts or assumptions (proposition) upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn, is called premise.
An argument that is logically inconsistent and fails to create a compelling case for its conclusion might contain error in reasoning, or fallacy (From the Latin fallacia (“deceit,” “trick,” or “fraud”).
An argument that is not supported by and is incompatible with logic when analyzed with care is called fallacious argument (deceptive argument).
Missing the Point
Missing the Point (or Ignorance of Refutation) fallacy, also known as Ignoratio Elenchi, Ignorance of Refutation, Irrelevant Conclusion, is one of 13 fallacies of the man who invented Western philosophy, Aristotle.
Description (Logic)
A set of statements leads to conclusion X. Yet conclusion Y is drawn.
An argument is given from which a perfectly valid and sound conclusion may be drawn, yet the stated conclusion is something else.
For Example
You have a cough, and I don’t. You smoke. So let’s see a movie.
Example
At a televised debate between political party leaders, the mediator asks, “If your party is elected, what would you do about the rising unemployment numbers ?”
A party leader responds, “I’m glad you asked, because unemployment is the greatest problem facing our province. Taking decisive measures towards the unemployment in our province is our priority. The families of our province deserve better and we have the abilities and determination to make their life better and my opponents’ plan is completely insufficient.”
Discussion
The respondent made an argument, but it didn’t answer the mediator’s concern and is therefore an irrelevant.
Sometimes this fallacy is used by people who want to prove something but do not know how, so they use any argument and then tack their desired conclusion on to the end. This is something that politicians often do.
This is effective persuasion when the listener does not work through the logic of the argument and is persuaded simply by the fact that some kind of argument is being used (as opposed to the conclusion being given as a simple statement). This can be encouraged by speaking with passion and apparent authority.
Judge for Yourself
In the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, a critic from an opposition party raises concerns over abuse of taxpayers’ money and asks the Health Minister:
“why costs have been allowed to get out of hand through this organization and why have the appropriate accountability measures not been put in place?”
Judge for yourself whether there is “missing the point” fallacy in the response of the Health Minister, Deborah Matthews.
Click on the image bellow
In Conclusion
- Public officials who deliberately use fallacy believe that you are not smart enough to detect the techniques they use to deceive or mislead you.
- Use logic and critical thinking to prevent dishonourable politicians from making a fool out of you.
- The more critical thinkers, the better the politicians running our government and the better the quality of life for everyone.
Missing the Point
Two Wrongs Make a Right
Appeal to Fear
Personal Attack
With files from various sources
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