Consider the following argument: "In a recent judicial decision, District Court Judge Lemuel Featherstone argued that bazookas and flamethrowers are not protected by the Second Amendment. Apparently, Judge Featherstone believes that the U.S. Constitution is obsolete and should be repealed by judicial fiat. But the rights protected in the Constitution lie at the very core of America's values and traditions. All true Americans must hope that Judge Featherstone's ruling is swiftly overturned." Which of the following fallacies has been committed in this argument?
A) the red herring fallacy
B) the straw man fallacy
C) the fallacy of attacking the motive
D) None of the answers are correct

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The argument misrepresents Judge Featherstone's position by suggesting he believes the U.S. Constitution is obsolete and should be repealed, which is a distortion of his actual argument about the Second Amendment. This is a classic example of the straw man fallacy, where the opponent's position is misrepresented to be easily attacked.

Consider the Following Argument: "In a Recent Judicial Decision, District