straw man

• Eine logische Fehlschlussfigur oder ein rhetorisches Mittel, bei dem das Argument des Gegners verzerrt, übertrieben oder durch eine leichter angreifbare Version ersetzt wird, um es dann zu widerlegen. Auch die so erzeugte falsche Zielscheibe selbst.

A logical fallacy or rhetorical tactic where someone misrepresents or exaggerates an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack or refute.

1. Logical fallacyC1formal

   A rhetorical technique where an opponent's argument is misrepresented or exaggerated to make it easier to attack.

   Strohmann-Argument

   • In the debate, he used a straw man by claiming his opponent wanted to abolish all laws.
   • The politician created a straw man of the opposition's policy to discredit it.
   • Avoid using a straw man in your argument; it weakens your position.

2. Weak or false argumentB2informal

   An argument that is deliberately set up to be easily refuted, often by distorting the original point.

   Strohmann-Argument

   • His criticism was just a straw man; he ignored the real issue.
   • She accused him of building a straw man to avoid the main topic.
   • The article set up a straw man to make the opposing view look foolish.