Hey there, Internet Commenter.
You've been sent a link to this video
because someone is concerned that you are not
arguing to your utmost ability.
They're concerned you might have used a fallacy
to make an important point, thereby
undercutting your own claims.
The fallacy they're concerned you might have used
is the fallacy fallacy.
The fallacy fallacy assumes that because someone's argument
contains a fallacy, the result of their reasoning
is automatically and completely incorrect,
which is not always the case.
A person might argue from sound conclusions
but have used fallacious means to arrive there.
Their argument might be bad, but their conclusions correct.
For instance, Straw Mike and Hay Mike
are arguing about metal bands.
Coldplay is a black metal band.
I've never heard of this Coldplay,
but if there is one thing I do know,
it's that you, sir, are a chowderhead who
never has any idea what he's talking about.
Therefore, there is no way Coldplay is a black metal band.
Hm.
Is that an ad hominem fallacy I detect?
I believe it is.
Therefore, Coldplay must be a black metal band.
I mean, listen to their name.
It's so dark and edgy.
Of course, we all know that Coldplay is not a black metal
band, but rather the pop/rock equivalent of warm, flat, diet
caffeine-free soda, meaning Hay Mike is correct,
but accidentally.
In response, Straw Mike commits a fallacy fallacy
in believing his incorrect argument
is proven true because the counterargument contains an ad
hominem fallacy.
Most fallacy fallacies aren't so obvious.
They take a form a little bit too complicated
to imitate line by line here, but the outline usually
goes roughly as follows.
Gene makes an argument and Tina summarizes it,
misrepresenting one facet but overall providing
a pretty salient response.
Regardless of that salient response,
gene accuses Tina of setting up a straw man.
He dismisses her conclusions and the argument
becomes an argument about the argument.
And so popcorn.gif.
Unfortunately, the internet is one
of nuance's many natural predators.
So just remember-- when someone has used a fallacy
to make a point on the internet, it doesn't mean they're wrong.
It just means that they've used a fallacy
to make a point on the internet.
(SINGING) It's just a fallacy!
I hope this discussion of the fallacy fallacy
has been helpful.
Happy conversing.