Who told you "Bitcoin is private"? Why all these strawman arguments?? It's a **public** ledger.
A **straw man argument**, sometimes referred to as a **straw person argument**, is a **logical fallacy** where an individual distorts an opposing position into an **extreme version** of itself and then **argues against that exaggerated version**. Here's how it works:
1. **Distortion**: The arguer takes the opposing point of view and **strips it of nuance**, often **misrepresenting it negatively**.
2. **Extreme Version**: They create an **imaginary caricature** of the opposing argument, making it **easier to attack**.
3. **Avoiding Nuanced Debate**: Instead of engaging with the actual argument, they **focus on this distorted version**.
Imagine arguing with a scarecrow: you can make any argument you want, and the scarecrow won't argue back. By positioning the scarecrow's argument in a way that suits you, you create a straw man. It's like arguing against an imaginary opponent, making your own argument sound infallible. However, this fallacy avoids addressing the **relevant components** of the opponent's position¹²³.
So, next time you encounter a straw man, remember that it's akin to battling a scarecrow—an illusion that lacks substance. 🌾🤔.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 15/02/2024
(1) What Is a Straw Man Argument? Definition and Examples. https://www.grammarly.com/blog/straw-man-fallacy/.
(2) What is a Straw Man Argument? - Language Humanities. https://www.languagehumanities.org/what-is-a-straw-man-argument.htm.
(3) Definition and Examples of the Straw Man Fallacy - ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/straw-man-fallacy-1692144.
(4) What Is Straw Man Fallacy? | Definition & Examples - Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/fallacies/straw-man-fallacy/.
(5) Strawman Arguments: What They Are and How to Counter Them. https://effectiviology.com/straw-man-arguments-recognize-counter-use/.
(6) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man.