Strawman – noun; a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted (Dictionary.com).

When in a debate, a variety of argumentative techniques are used to create support for one’s position. Strengthening a position can be achieved by adhering to the rules of logic. However, often an argument may contain and illogical component or be completely in violation of these rules. These are called fallacies. Utilizing these fallacies in reasoning thus makes this reasoning “fallacious”. Fallacious reasoning is defined by Kahane and Tidman (1995) as:

“Reasoning that is not cogent and thus either (1) does not provide sufficiently good evidence or grounds for its conclusion, or (2) contains an unwarranted premise, or (3) ignores (suppresses, or overlooks) relevant information. (pp. 325)”

A strawman is a particular type of fallacy. In this type a person will create a weakened or distorted version of an opposing position and then attack it. They are not truly attacking the actual opposing position but sham version, as the definition states, which is said to be the opposing argument by the party attempting to refute it. Examples of this fallacy are seen frequently in those putting forth arguments against evolution. For instance, the proposition will be made that evolution is false because we do not see a monkey give birth to a human. This is not what the theory of evolution states yet the opposition has distorted it into an easily refuted version.

In the “Burning Down the Strawman” article series, I will be addressing many of these opposing arguments. Some may be strawman fallacies, some not. Nevertheless, they all have been utilized repeatedly to refute evolutionary theory and subsequently confused an already befuddled public on the subject itself. I will present the opposing arguments and show where they have gone wrong. I will not provide simple, quick answers – I will provide you, the reader, with a more detailed answer with supporting scientific literature.

It is my sincere hope to aid you, gentle reader, in understanding the theory as well as remove misunderstandings you or others may hold. Please join me as we delve into the wonderful world of this extraordinary theory.

References
(In order of appearance)

Dictionary.com - definition of “strawman”. Retrieved August 16, 2007 from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/strawman.

Kahane, H. and Tidman, P. (1995). Logic & Philosophy: A Modern Introduction. (7th ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing.

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