Logical Errors

Logical Dodges

Absurdity

The ploy of absurdity involves turning the entire issue or situation into a joking matter, in hopes that others will forget that the speaker hasn't proved the conclusion. Many people also use this ploy to "disprove", that is, shoot down, another person's proposed course of action. For example, a man in a business conference might offer a new idea, which he has not completely thought through. It might form the nucleus of an important advance for the organization, but someone else might reply, "Where did you get that one, Tom? Out of a fortune cookie?" In the ensuing laughter, the idea might shrivel up and die while the group goes on to more "serious" matters.

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Map of Logical Errors