Logical Analysis Of The Straw Man Fallacy

As a phenomenon or activity,the straw man fallacy exists universally in life world,which is a kind of common,complicated and deceptive fallacy.However,as an independent concept,it was formally put forward in a relatively short time,therefore,the corresponding theoretical research is also relatively scarce.First of all,through literature review,this paper summarizes the main shortcomings of the existing research into three aspects: basic problems are not clear,classification standards are not clear,the actual classification confusion.Then,in-depth and detailed research is carried out in view of the above-mentioned three deficiencies: on the one hand,in view of the situation that "basic problems have not been clarified",starting with the basic problems of the straw man fallacy,with the help of Jürgen Habermas’ s social communication theory and methods,this paper reveals the four important properties of the scarecrow fallacy:falsity,relevance,imposition and self-interest,and gives the definition and structure of the straw man fallacy.On the other hand,in view of the problems of "unclear classification standards" and "confusion in actual classification",with the help of the distinction between direct and indirect references,three basic means to distort the original argument in the straw man fallacy are identified: the distortion means to distort the original meaning by altering the text,and the fabrication means to distort the original meaning by reinterpreting the original words,the selection emphasizes distorting the original meaning by attacking the weaker argument.Finally,through the detailed analysis of complex cases,the importance of emotional means is highlighted,the basic manipulation system of the straw man fallacy is constructed,which is based on three means of distortion,fabrication and selection and assisted by emotional means.Although this paper does not make a great contribution in the instrumental research aspect,but under the premise that the reference literature is insufficient,this paper attempts to combine the case to carry on a more comprehensive theoretical analysis to the straw man fallacy,to a certain extent,it makes up the blank of domestic research,helps us to better recognize and refute this fallacy,and finally makes active efforts to reach the ideal goal of correct thinking and effective communication.