In Chapter 11 in section D, Epstein explains the concept of, "Violating the Principle of Rational Discussion" and how the four principles creates a bad argument. Begging the question is when someone is arguing that a claim is true making all premises of an argument more believable than the conclusion itself. Strawman is when you disregard the other person's argument by not understanding it then by putting words into their mouth. Shifting the burden of proof is not wanting to prove your own claims. Relevance is when premises are not relevant to the conclusion but dont be tricked because it is not a fallacy. It's an observation of a weak argument.
My mom occasionally violates the Principle of Rational Discussion by using Strawman and thank goodness it wasn't on me. I feel bad that my dad is the bullet taker but that's why he loves her. =) A month ago for Mother's day, my dad asked me if he should buy my mom her favorite flowers or just to take her out? I answered, of course you should buy her flowers, she'll love it. Hence, he prepared a boutique arrangement for her and hide it outside. The morning of Mother's day, my father went out for a hair cut in the then came back. He noticed my mom was in the room so he quickly fetched the boutique and brought them in to display it on our dinning table. My mom walked out with a smirk on her face and said, "WOW, aren't I special? My husband got me flowers the DAY OF Mother's Day... how thoughtful?! My dad replied, "I did planning to get you these flowers for you, I did NOT just get it now." Mom replied, "Sure, that's why you were gone all morning." I'm sure you guys can see where this conversation is going. My mom exampled Strawman by disregarding my dad's argument and exemplify hers by putting words into his mouth. Too funny.
Your blog post on fallacies is such a great explanation. I was very confused before but after reading this I was able to relate, laugh, and understand chaper 11 much better. This story is very relatable figuring I can be the same way as your mother was and always think I am right and assume things when I really don't know what the truth was but in my head what I say and what I believe and what I think MUST be right. HAHA :)Putting words in peoples mouths happen alot and it is definitely easier to knock down someone elses argument if you misrepresent it, putting words in the other person's mouth.
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