Avoiding the Issue
Avoiding the issue means evading the point under discussion instead of answering it. A pause or refusal is not automatically fallacious; the problem is treating an irrelevant response as if it resolved the argument.
THE IDEA
Avoiding the Issue
An arguer avoids the issue by leaving the relevant question unanswered. This may involve changing the subject, giving an irrelevant reply, or using a distraction. A strawman instead misrepresents an opponent’s position in order to attack it.
Logical Form
The source supplies no logical form or original example statements.
Example #1
The remaining commentary warns against evading a difficult question merely because its answer may be uncomfortable. Without the question and response, the case cannot be assessed.
Example #2
The commentary says that a remark about Jesus loving Carl does not address Carl’s argument, but that argument is missing.
Exception
A joke or story can serve as a “break” in an emotional discussion if participants agree to return to the issue. Acknowledging that you cannot answer is also different from pretending an irrelevant response settles the question.
When to use it
In a political debate, a candidate avoids answering a direct question about their policy by discussing an unrelated topic.
In a courtroom, a lawyer fails to address the key evidence presented by the prosecution and instead talks about the defendant's character.
In a personal argument, one partner changes the subject when asked about a recurring problem, thereby avoiding the issue.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Example #1
As an illustration, Carl offers an argument about God’s existence and a respondent answers that Jesus loves him. The reply does not assess the premises or conclusion. The source’s original conversation is not supplied.
Example #2
As an illustration, Carl presents evidence that a policy is failing. A respondent answers that Jesus loves Carl. Whatever the respondent intends, the remark does not address the policy evidence.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
When have you avoided a difficult question in a conversation or debate? What was the result?
How can you distinguish between taking a necessary emotional break and fallaciously avoiding the issue?
What strategies can you use to stay focused on the main point of an argument instead of digressing?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies