A logical fallacy from politics #philosophy #logic

This fallacy pops up in politics all the time. It is the “middle-ground fallacy” and it is when we assume the correct position in an argument is in the middle of all the opposing sides in an argument. This is such a natural human instinct because when we enter a discussion we often use the first things we hear as our anchor points - and if we get two opposing anchor points, then we tend to lay our flag firmly in the middle of them.

The reason this is a fallacy is because whether something is true bears no relation to what the middle ground between two arguments are. If one of the two positions has arguments that are sound and valid, and the other side has nothing to support their position, then it doesn’t matter what the middle ground between these two arguments are, the substantiated side is clearly right.

Remember that this just means that the middle ground between opposing positions is not always the correct position. It does not mean that it cannot be sometimes used as a rule of thumb.

#cambridgeuniversity #philosophy #logic #fallacy

[abhishek]

I just wanted to express that even if you don't receive many views, your work is as valuable as gold. I've read a lot of books because of your content, particularly about philosophy and politics. So, thank you!🙏

[stardewofpyrrhia]

Your videos are changing my life and helping my worldview grow in so many directions I didn’t know existed ❤

[JDdr]

Exactly! Sometimes, things are either correct or incorrect.

[Sai-eb]

TLDR; If someone says the earth is a sphere and someone else says it's flat it doesn't mean the earth's a hemisphere

[karoshi]

Usually I reflect on the effects of the extremes, which then usually makes a good heuristic for the optimal position.
Also keep the direction in mind, and you'll see if there's a sweet spot in between, one is better than the other, both are valid, or if it doesn't have any effect.

[the-logic-of-the-rainbow]

But what if both sides partially have valid, sound and cogent reasoning, yet also weak arguments? Some political oppositions may simply be false dichotomies.

[grey_shady]

Hey would you want me to write your emails? I think your content will make great newsletters