Argument From Fallacy

Argument From Fallacy

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The Argument from Fallacy, also known as the fallacy fallacy, occurs when someone assumes that a claim is incorrect simply because the argument presented in its favor contains a logical fallacy. This bias reveals the complexities of human reasoning and illustrates the possibility that, despite flawed reasoning, the conclusion may still be true.

As UX Designers we hear ideas and perspectives from many different people. Some people have great ideas and some people don’t.

Some people are really good at explaining ideas. And some could be better.

When we fall for this fallacy we might dismiss an excellent idea, simply because the logic behind the idea is somewhat flawed.

Imagine we’re in a meeting debating whether to adopt a new framework. Someone on the team suggests, “We should switch to ABC framework because Google uses it, and they’re successful.”

Another team member might point out this is “survivorship bias” and dismiss the idea entirely because of the flawed argument.

But what if this really was a good option to consider? This is falling into the trap of the Argument From Fallacy.

The framework’s merits or drawbacks won’t be properly evaluated, which might lead to a potentially poor decision by the team.

🎯 Here are some key takeaways:

Be aware of logical fallacies

Understanding common logical fallacies can help you spot them in discussions. Awareness is the first step toward more rational decision-making.

Critical thinking is crucial

Being able to dissect an argument critically allows you to weed out bad ideas. But remember that just because an argument is flawed doesn't mean its conclusion is automatically invalid.

Encourage constructive debate

Create a team culture that encourages open and constructive debate. When team members feel they can express their thoughts without immediate dismissal, it leads to more comprehensive evaluations of ideas and proposals.

Implement checks and balances

Consider having a system where major decisions are reviewed by multiple team members to catch any biases or fallacies that could affect the outcome.

Question, don't dismiss

If you spot a fallacy in someone's argument, ask them to clarify their point or provide additional information. This approach is more constructive than outright dismissal and can lead to a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

📚 Keep exploring

To dive deeper into the topic of attentional bias and its implications for decision-making, check out these resources:

Argument From Fallacy on Wikipedia Wikipedia
Fallacies Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Logical Fallacies Purdue Online Writing Lab
On the prospect of an experimental account of argumentation. Commentary: Toward an experimental account of argumentation: the case of the slippery slope and the ad hominem arguments John Ian Kagayutan Boongaling | Frontiers in Psychology
Bad Arguments: 100 of the Most Important Fallacies in Western Philosophy Robert Arp, Steven Barbone, Michael Bruce

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