In Good Faith

8: The Scarecrow and the Castle

Chong Shao, Daniel Shih

On today’s show, Chong and Dan wrap up an informal three-part cycle of shows by examining how we think, specifically via the topic of logical fallacies. We discuss two common logical fallacies that appear in everyday conversations, news, commentary, books and podcasts (other people's podcasts, of course). The straw man is when you misrepresent your opponent's argument and the motte-and-bailey is when you misrepresent your own argument - but why would you do that?

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Show notes

Prelude - Introduction to logical fallacies (07:10)

  • What is a logical fallacy?
  • Why should we care about it?

Wikipedia - Fallacy

Straw man argument (20:59)

  • Definition
  • Examples in the news, church and personal life

I'm Not Hateful, You Are

Motte-and-bailey argument (43:26)

  • History and definition
  • Examples in the news and personal life

Feminists Who Now Claim They Never Meant 'Believe All Women' Are Gaslighting Us

The 'Motte & Bailey': Political Jousting's Deceptive New Medieval Weapon

Conclusion

  • Quick takeaways
  • Dan's summary