Appeal to Force (Argumentum ad Baculum)
Threats aren’t arguments - but they reveal when someone can’t make one Somebody makes an argument. The response they get - “you better agree with this, or you’ll lose your job.” They question a policy. The response - “keep talking like that and see what happens to your reputation.” They express an opinion. The response…
Appeal to Emotion
Your emotions are valid, but they’re not arguments “Think of the children.” Every time those four words show up in a policy debate, critical thinking should go on high alert. Not because children don’t matter - they obviously do. It’s because that phrase is almost never followed by evidence. It’s followed by an emotional appeal…
Genetic Fallacy
Where an idea comes from doesn’t tell you if it’s true Somebody presents research findings. The response they get - “that study came from a conservative think tank. Obviously biased.” They share historical context. The response - “you got that from Wikipedia. Not a real source.” They make an argument. Somebody says - “you only…
Guilt by Association
Bad people can hold correct positions - that’s not a contradiction Somebody proposes a policy idea. The response they get back is - “you know who else supported something like that? Stalin.” They cite a study. Somebody says - “that researcher once spoke at a conference sponsored by a controversial organization. Guess we can’t trust…
Tu Quoque (You Too)
When hypocrisy becomes the whole argument “You’re saying we should cut carbon emissions? Your country is one of the biggest polluters on the planet.” “You’re criticizing corporate greed? You own stocks.” “You think people should eat less meat? You’re wearing leather shoes.” This is tu quoque - Latin for “you too.” It’s a specific flavor…
The Syllogism Test: How to Dismantle Bad Arguments
When an argument sounds reasonable but feels wrong, rebuild it as a syllogism. The hidden premise is usually where it falls apart. Works on AI doomers and everyone else.
JD Vance Said The Professors Are the Enemy
First of all - imagine quoting Richard Nixon for his wisdom… J.D. Vance just got up at the National Conservatism Conference and literally said these words - "The professors are the enemy." People lo...