A strawman argument is a cheap and juvenile rhetorical device. Here’s how it works: Start with an opening statement of “There are those who say” or “Some say.” Then, suggest some outrageous statement that your imagined opponent said, or would say. Then, demolish your imagined opponent’s position.
For example, here is a straw man argument that Obama used in an April ’09 speech:
… there are those who say we cannot afford to invest in science. That support for research is somehow a luxury at a moment defined by necessities. I fundamentally disagree. Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, our environment, and our quality of life than it has ever been. Find out more
For example, here is a straw man argument that Obama used in an April ’09 speech:
… there are those who say we cannot afford to invest in science. That support for research is somehow a luxury at a moment defined by necessities. I fundamentally disagree. Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, our environment, and our quality of life than it has ever been. Find out more
