red herring fallacy definition communication

Red herring fallacy definition communication download#

Tom: Since you did not show up for your last two shifts here at work, we are going to reduce your hours. Look at the exchange below as an example: For instance, if someone makes a valid point, we may try to redirect attention to how the individual is a bad person or should not be taken seriously for personal reasons. This kind of red herring, which attacks someone personally, is also used frequently in everyday life.

We see this often when watching debates between politicians. The important topic is going to bed, but the son tries to distract his mother with questions so that he does not have to go to bed immediately.Ī common red herring is trying to ignore a valid point or argument someone is making by attacking someone’s personality, characteristics, personal attributes, or capabilities. You see in this discussion that the mother clearly wants her son to go to bed however, the son tries to distract the mother by asking her questions about dolphins. Son: But mom, how do they sleep underwater? They have to breathe, right?

For instance, look at the conversation below between a mother and son: One red herring may be seen when a child avoids going to bed by asking his or her parents many question. A red herring is a deliberate and intentional distraction. If something accidentally takes your attention away from an important issues, then it is not a red herring. These types of distractions, or red herrings, are always intentional. A red herring, in very simple terms, can be thought of as a distraction, or something that takes your attention away from what is important.

Red herring fallacy definition communication download#

Download the Red Herring Definition & WorksheetsĪ red herring is something, whether it be words or actions, that is used to distract someone from an important topic or issue.