Err, isn't this just a rebuttal?

by Anonymous 1 year ago

I weep for the definitions of words. People throw around important sounding words (usually logical fallacies or psychological terms) because they think it makes their point better. When the word really doesn't match the situation at all.

by Anonymous 1 year ago

Yes, you could say it's a form of rebuttal but currently the word deflection is used more often (at least in my bubble)

by Anonymous 1 year ago

If the underlying functionality is similar to that of a rebuttal, simply being called a "deflection" wouldn't diminish the validity of its argumentation, as rebuttals are the cornerstone of a balanced argument. So, how is this an unpopular opinion?

by Anonymous 1 year ago

I got point deductions on multiple essays about that and my teacher said I'm not supposed to put the focus away from my side.

by Anonymous 1 year ago

Did you do the assignment and follow the guidelines of the work?

by Anonymous 1 year ago

There were no real guidelines, it just said write an argumentative essay in which you show your opinion.

by Anonymous 1 year ago

...That isn't what deflection is.

by Anonymous 1 year ago

Deflection means moving the focus to the other side so I'd say it is

by Anonymous 1 year ago

Pointing out hypocrisy is only useful if winning arguments makes you feel like a big man or something. It does nothing to actually get to the truth of a matter. If an alcoholic takes a shot of vodka in front of you and tries to convince you that you shouldn't drink alcohol because it's bad for your health, they're a hypocrite. That doesn't make their argument wrong.

by Anonymous 1 year ago

The goal of an argument should be to find the truth, not to win. If "being right" wasn't the most important thing to everyone, then we would make a lot of progress very quickly.

by Anonymous 1 year ago

That counts as whataboutism, I believe. "the technique or practice of responding to an accusation or difficult question by making a counter-accusation"

by Anonymous 1 year ago

what's the difference with whataboutism? it's the same thing and BTW, if you base your argument just on dialectic you're being intellectually dishonest

by Anonymous 1 year ago