Political Red Herring Examples

Political Red Herring Examples: Decoding Deception in the Political Arena

Introduction:

Have you ever felt lost in a political debate, overwhelmed by a barrage of arguments that seem to lead nowhere? You're not alone. Politicians frequently employ a tactic known as a "red herring," a deliberate diversion from the central issue to distract, confuse, or manipulate the audience. Understanding how these red herrings work is crucial for navigating the complexities of political discourse and forming informed opinions. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of political red herring examples, providing clear definitions, insightful analyses, and practical strategies to identify them. We'll examine various techniques, dissect real-world examples across different political spectrums, and equip you with the critical thinking skills needed to avoid being misled. Prepare to sharpen your analytical skills and become a more discerning political observer.

What is a Red Herring in Politics?

A red herring, in the context of political debate, is an irrelevant topic introduced into an argument to divert attention from the actual issue at hand. It's a tactic designed to distract the audience from the core argument, often by creating a side-track that seems important but ultimately offers no substantial contribution to the central discussion. The goal is to shift the focus, confuse the opponent, or sway public opinion away from uncomfortable truths or weak arguments. These diversions can range from subtle implications to overt accusations, all aimed at clouding the real debate.

Types of Political Red Herrings:

Several strategies fall under the umbrella of political red herrings. Understanding these categories helps in identifying them more effectively:

1. Whataboutism: This tactic deflects criticism by pointing out the hypocrisy or wrongdoing of the accuser. Instead of addressing the original accusation, the focus shifts to the accuser's past actions or inconsistencies. For example, criticizing a politician's environmental record while simultaneously highlighting another politician's past environmental failings.

2. Ad Hominem Attacks: These attacks target the character or personality of the opponent rather than the substance of their arguments. By attacking the person instead of the issue, the focus is shifted away from the central debate. For instance, questioning a candidate's moral character instead of addressing their policy proposals.

3. Straw Man Fallacy: This involves misrepresenting the opponent's argument to make it easier to refute. The opponent's position is simplified or distorted, creating a "straw man" that is easily knocked down. This creates the illusion of refuting a strong argument while actually avoiding engagement with the real issue.

4. Appeal to Emotion: This involves manipulating the audience's emotions instead of engaging with rational arguments. Fear, anger, patriotism, or other emotions are evoked to sway public opinion, often diverting attention from the actual issue under discussion. For example, using fear-mongering tactics to distract from economic policy failures.

5. Redirection/Deflection: This is a broad category encompassing various tactics used to shift the conversation away from the main point. This can involve introducing a completely unrelated topic, bringing up a tangential issue, or simply changing the subject altogether.

Real-World Examples of Political Red Herrings:

Let's analyze some real-world examples to illustrate these tactics:

Example 1 (Whataboutism): Candidate A is criticized for accepting campaign donations from a controversial industry. Candidate A responds by pointing out that Candidate B also accepted donations from the same industry, thus deflecting the criticism instead of addressing the ethical concerns.

Example 2 (Ad Hominem): A politician's proposed healthcare reform is attacked by opponents, not on its merits or flaws, but by questioning the politician's personal integrity or questioning their motives.

Example 3 (Straw Man): A politician advocating for stricter gun control laws is accused by opponents of wanting to confiscate all guns, a far more extreme position than the actual proposal.

Example 4 (Appeal to Emotion): A political campaign uses fear-mongering tactics by linking immigration to increased crime rates to distract from the complexities of immigration reform and the need for comprehensive solutions.

Example 5 (Redirection/Deflection): A politician facing criticism for a budget shortfall changes the topic to discuss their recent accomplishments in infrastructure projects.

How to Identify and Counter Political Red Herrings:

Being aware of these tactics is the first step towards effective counter-argumentation. Here are some tips for identifying and countering red herrings:

Focus on the Core Issue: Keep the central argument in focus. Don't get sidetracked by irrelevant tangents.

Question the Relevance: Ask yourself if the introduced topic directly relates to the main issue. If not, it might be a red herring.

Identify the Tactic: Recognize the specific tactic being used (whataboutism, ad hominem, etc.).

Expose the Diversion: Point out that the argument is a distraction from the central issue.

Return to the Core Argument: Bring the discussion back to the original point of contention.

Conclusion:

Understanding political red herrings is crucial for informed civic engagement. By recognizing these deceptive tactics, you can navigate political discussions more effectively, resist manipulation, and form your own well-reasoned opinions. Develop your critical thinking skills, focus on the substance of arguments, and don't let distractions derail you from the important issues at hand. The ability to identify and counter red herrings is a valuable asset in the world of political discourse.

Article Outline: "Political Red Herring Examples: Decoding Deception in the Political Arena"

Introduction: Defines red herrings in politics and outlines the article's scope.
Chapter 1: What is a Political Red Herring? Explains the concept in detail and its purpose.
Chapter 2: Types of Political Red Herrings: Categorizes and explains various red herring tactics (Whataboutism, Ad Hominem, Straw Man, Appeal to Emotion, Redirection).
Chapter 3: Real-World Examples: Provides specific examples of each type of red herring from recent political discourse.
Chapter 4: Identifying and Countering Red Herrings: Offers practical strategies for recognizing and addressing these tactics.
Conclusion: Summarizes key points and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in political analysis.

(Note: The above sections have already been expanded upon in the article itself.)

FAQs:

1. What is the difference between a red herring and a logical fallacy? A red herring is a specific type of logical fallacy, designed to distract from the main argument.

2. Are red herrings always intentional? While often deliberate, sometimes red herrings can be unintentional – a speaker might inadvertently stray onto an irrelevant tangent.

3. Can red herrings be used effectively in debates? While effective in distracting an audience, using red herrings undermines the integrity of the debate.

4. How can I avoid using red herrings myself? Focus on the main issue and avoid bringing up unrelated topics to support your argument.

5. Are red herrings more common in certain types of political discourse? They can appear in any political context, but are particularly prevalent during heated debates or campaigns.

6. Are there legal implications for using red herrings in political advertising? While there isn't a specific law against it, false or misleading statements in advertising can have legal consequences.

7. Can analyzing political red herrings improve my critical thinking skills? Yes, recognizing and analyzing these tactics helps to hone your ability to identify biases and flawed arguments.

8. How can I teach my children to identify political red herrings? Start by explaining the concept using simple examples and encourage critical thinking during news discussions.

9. Where can I find more information on logical fallacies and rhetoric? Numerous books and online resources provide detailed information on logical fallacies and effective rhetoric.

Related Articles:

1. Logical Fallacies in Political Discourse: Explores a wider range of logical fallacies used in politics.
2. The Art of Political Persuasion: Discusses the techniques used to influence public opinion.
3. Analyzing Political Rhetoric: Provides methods for dissecting political speeches and statements.
4. Identifying Bias in News Media: Explores techniques for recognizing bias in news reporting.
5. Critical Thinking Skills for Informed Citizenship: Offers strategies for evaluating information and forming informed opinions.
6. Understanding Propaganda Techniques: Examines the various methods used to spread propaganda.
7. The Psychology of Political Decision-Making: Explores the psychological factors influencing political choices.
8. Debating Effectively: Techniques and Strategies: Provides guidance on engaging in constructive political debates.
9. Fact-Checking and Misinformation in Politics: Discusses the importance of fact-checking and the challenges of dealing with misinformation.

political red herring examples: The Fallacy Detective Nathaniel Bluedorn, Hans Bluedorn, 2015-04-04 The Fallacy Detective has been the best selling text for teaching logical fallacies and introduction to logic for over 15 years. Can learning logic be fun? With The Fallacy Detective it appears that it can be. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve his reasoning skills.--Tim Challies, curriculum reviewer Cartoon and comic illustrations, humorous examples, and a very reader-friendly writing style make this the sort of course students will enjoy.--Cathy Duffy, homeschool curriculum reviewer I really like The Fallacy Detective because it has funny cartoons, silly stories, and teaches you a lot!--11 Year Old What is a fallacy? A fallacy is an error in logic a place where someone has made a mistake in his thinking. This is a handy book for learning to spot common errors in reasoning. - For ages twelve through adult. - Fun to use -- learn skills you can use right away. - Peanuts, Dilbert, and Calvin and Hobbes cartoons. - Includes The Fallacy Detective Game. - Exercises with answer key.
political red herring examples: Fallacious Trump Jim Cliff, 2018-02-16 I used to lose every argument, then I read this book and now I win them all! It's that good.This is a tremendous book, and I should know - I have a PhD.Most of the other books on logical fallacies are written by Americans, so they can't be any good.These made up quotes are all logical fallacies - the kinds of common errors in reasoning that we all make from time to time. Fallacious Trump: The Donald J. Trump Guide to Logical Fallacies describes many common logical fallacies, explains why they are invalid, and helps you to spot them in your own arguments as well as other people's.Every fallacy is illustrated with real-life examples drawn from the tweets, speeches and interviews of the King of Logical Fallacies, Donald J. Trump.Fallacies contained in the book include:Ad HominemStraw ManPost Hoc Ergo Propter HocArgument from PopularityTexas SharpshooterCherry PickingEquivocationTu QuoqueRed HerringArgument from IgnoranceHasty GeneralizationBegging the QuestionGenetic FallacyPoisoning the WellMoving the GoalpostsSlippery SlopeArgument from Personal IncredulityNon-Sequiturand many more!
political red herring examples: Handbook of Public Policy Evaluation Stuart S. Nagel, 2002 This handbook deals with many aspects of public policy evaluation: including methods; examples; professionalism studies; perspectives; concepts; substance; theory applications; dispute resolution; interdisciplinary interaction.
political red herring examples: The Fabulous Zed Watson! Basil Sylvester, 2021-01-26 FINALIST FOR THE GOVERNOR GENERAL'S LITERARY AWARD FINALIST FOR THE OLA SILVER BIRCH AWARD The literary scavenger hunt of a lifetime, starring an endlessly endearing non-binary tween Zed Watson loves a few things: their name (which they chose themself!), their big rambunctious family, and—oh yeah—monsters. When Zed discovered the mystery surrounding an unpublished novel called The Monster’s Castle, they were completely hooked. Now Zed is a member of a small but dedicated legion devoted to finding the long-buried text. When a breakthrough discovery leads Zed to the route that they are sure will take them to the treasure, they know it’s time for a road trip. And with the help of their shy, flora-loving neighbour, Gabe, and his sister, Sam, a geologist who is driving back to college in Arizona, Zed and company are soon off on a wild adventure following cryptic clues. But it’s not all fun and games. Gabe doesn’t like Zed’s snacks, Sam is a bossy driver with total command of the ancient Impreza’s stereo, and Zed is often misgendered. It’s a good thing they also encounter kind strangers, potato-themed dance-offs and lots and lots of ice cream along the way. If Zed and Gabe can combine their strengths, survive Sam’s wrath and best the greedy historian who’s also hot on the book’s trail, they just might find the greatest treasure of all. Co-authored by child-parent duo Basil Sylvester and Kevin Sylvester, this is a vibrant and enormous-hearted story about friendship, identity and belonging. It features illustrations by celebrated author and illustrator Kevin Sylvester, and an Own Voices perspective based on Basil’s experience.
political red herring examples: Idioms in the News - 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples ,
political red herring examples: Oxford English Dictionary John A. Simpson, 2002-04-18 The Oxford English Dictionary is the internationally recognized authority on the evolution of the English language from 1150 to the present day. The Dictionary defines over 500,000 words, making it an unsurpassed guide to the meaning, pronunciation, and history of the English language. This new upgrade version of The Oxford English Dictionary Second Edition on CD-ROM offers unparalleled access to the world's most important reference work for the English language. The text of this version has been augmented with the inclusion of the Oxford English Dictionary Additions Series (Volumes 1-3), published in 1993 and 1997, the Bibliography to the Second Edition, and other ancillary material. System requirements: PC with minimum 200 MHz Pentium-class processor; 32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended); 16-speed CD-ROM drive (32-speed recommended); Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 200, or XP (Local administrator rights are required to install and open the OED for the first time on a PC running Windows NT 4 and to install and run the OED on Windows 2000 and XP); 1.1 GB hard disk space to run the OED from the CD-ROM and 1.7 GB to install the CD-ROM to the hard disk: SVGA monitor: 800 x 600 pixels: 16-bit (64k, high color) setting recommended. Please note: for the upgrade, installation requires the use of the OED CD-ROM v2.0.
political red herring examples: Logically Fallacious Bo Bennett, 2012-02-19 This book is a crash course in effective reasoning, meant to catapult you into a world where you start to see things how they really are, not how you think they are. The focus of this book is on logical fallacies, which loosely defined, are simply errors in reasoning. With the reading of each page, you can make significant improvements in the way you reason and make decisions. Logically Fallacious is one of the most comprehensive collections of logical fallacies with all original examples and easy to understand descriptions, perfect for educators, debaters, or anyone who wants to improve his or her reasoning skills. Expose an irrational belief, keep a person rational for a day. Expose irrational thinking, keep a person rational for a lifetime. - Bo Bennett This 2021 Edition includes dozens of more logical fallacies with many updated examples.
political red herring examples: Climate Leviathan Joel Wainwright, Geoff Mann, 2018-02-13 **Winner of the 2019 Sussex International Theory Prize** -- How climate change will affect our political theory - for better and worse Despite the science and the summits, leading capitalist states have not achieved anything close to an adequate level of carbon mitigation. There is now simply no way to prevent the planet breaching the threshold of two degrees Celsius set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. What are the likely political and economic outcomes of this? Where is the overheating world heading? To further the struggle for climate justice, we need to have some idea how the existing global order is likely to adjust to a rapidly changing environment. Climate Leviathan provides a radical way of thinking about the intensifying challenges to the global order. Drawing on a wide range of political thought, Joel Wainwright and Geoff Mann argue that rapid climate change will transform the world's political economy and the fundamental political arrangements most people take for granted. The result will be a capitalist planetary sovereignty, a terrifying eventuality that makes the construction of viable, radical alternatives truly imperative.
political red herring examples: Art of Reasoning: An Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking David Kelley, 2013-10 Students learn logic by practicing it by working through problems, analyzing existing arguments, and constructing their own arguments in plain language and symbolic notation. The Art of Reasoning not only introduces the principles of critical thinking and logic in a clear, accessible, and logical manner thus practicing what it preaches but it also provides ample opportunity for students to hone their skills and master course content.
political red herring examples: An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments: Learn the Lost Art of Making Sense (Bad Arguments) Ali Almossawi, 2014-09-23 “This short book makes you smarter than 99% of the population. . . . The concepts within it will increase your company’s ‘organizational intelligence.’. . . It’s more than just a must-read, it’s a ‘have-to-read-or-you’re-fired’ book.”—Geoffrey James, INC.com From the author of An Illustrated Book of Loaded Language, here’s the antidote to fuzzy thinking, with furry animals! Have you read (or stumbled into) one too many irrational online debates? Ali Almossawi certainly had, so he wrote An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments! This handy guide is here to bring the internet age a much-needed dose of old-school logic (really old-school, a la Aristotle). Here are cogent explanations of the straw man fallacy, the slippery slope argument, the ad hominem attack, and other common attempts at reasoning that actually fall short—plus a beautifully drawn menagerie of animals who (adorably) commit every logical faux pas. Rabbit thinks a strange light in the sky must be a UFO because no one can prove otherwise (the appeal to ignorance). And Lion doesn’t believe that gas emissions harm the planet because, if that were true, he wouldn’t like the result (the argument from consequences). Once you learn to recognize these abuses of reason, they start to crop up everywhere from congressional debate to YouTube comments—which makes this geek-chic book a must for anyone in the habit of holding opinions.
political red herring examples: Sounds Like Home Mary Herring Wright, 1999 New edition available: Sounds Like Home: Growing Up Black and Deaf in the South, 20th Anniversary Edition, ISBN 978-1-944838-58-4 Features a new introduction by scholars Joseph Hill and Carolyn McCaskill Mary Herring Wright's memoir adds an important dimension to the current literature in that it is a story by and about an African American deaf child. The author recounts her experiences growing up as a deaf person in Iron Mine, North Carolina, from the 1920s through the 1940s. Her story is unique and historically significant because it provides valuable descriptive information about the faculty and staff of the North Carolina school for Black deaf and blind students from the perspective of a student as well as a student teacher. In addition, this engrossing narrative contains details about the curriculum, which included a week-long Black History celebration where students learned about important Blacks such as Madame Walker, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and George Washington Carver. It also describes the physical facilities as well as the changes in those facilities over the years. In addition, Sounds Like Home occurs over a period of time that covers two major events in American history, the Depression and World War II. Wright's account is one of enduring faith, perseverance, and optimism. Her keen observations will serve as a source of inspiration for others who are challenged in their own ways by life's obstacles.
political red herring examples: Matrix of Thought - Cognitive Fallacies and Biases of Human Brain Gunjan Sharma, 2024-02-22 In the vast landscape of human cognition lies a fascinating array of quirks, biases, and fallacies that shape our perceptions, decisions, and interactions with the world around us. From the seemingly innocuous choices we make in our daily lives to the grand decisions that shape the course of history, our minds are influenced by a myriad of cognitive shortcuts and pitfalls. Welcome to a journey through the labyrinth of the human mind—a journey that delves into the fascinating realm of cognitive biases and mental fallacies. In this book, we explore over 60 of these intriguing phenomena, shedding light on the subtle ways in which our brains can lead us astray. As we embark on this exploration, it's essential to recognize that the human mind is a marvel of evolution, finely tuned to navigate the complex world in which we live. Yet, despite its remarkable capabilities, our minds are not immune to error. In fact, they are prone to a host of biases and fallacies that can distort our perceptions, cloud our judgments, and undermine our decision-making. Why do we often overestimate our abilities and underestimate risks? Why do we cling to our beliefs in the face of contradictory evidence? Why do we find it challenging to resist the allure of instant gratification, even when it comes at the expense of long-term goals? These are just a few of the questions we will explore as we journey through the fascinating landscape of cognitive biases and mental fallacies. By understanding these phenomena, we gain invaluable insights into the workings of our own minds and those of others. Armed with this knowledge, we can begin to recognize the subtle ways in which biases and fallacies shape our thoughts and behaviors. We can learn to question our assumptions, challenge our beliefs, and make more informed decisions in our personal and professional lives. Moreover, by shining a light on these cognitive quirks, we can cultivate a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others. We come to realize that we are all susceptible to the same cognitive biases and mental fallacies, regardless of age, gender, or background. In recognizing our shared humanity, we can foster deeper connections and build bridges of understanding in an increasingly divided world. So, join me as we embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that will challenge our assumptions, expand our horizons, and illuminate the hidden workings of the human mind. Together, let us explore the fascinating world of cognitive biases and mental fallacies, and emerge with a newfound appreciation for the complexity of human cognition. Happy Learning! Gunjan Sharma
political red herring examples: Corrupt Histories Emmanuel Kreike, William C. Jordan, 2004 Corruption is a preoccupation of governments and societies across place and time, from the 18th-19th Century British, Chinese, and Iberian empires to 20th Century Nazi Germany, Russia, the United States, and India. This study offers three different perspectives on corruption. The first chapters highlight corrupt practices, taking as a point of departure a technocratic definition of corruption. The second part of the book views corruption through the lens of discourses of corruption, revealing that accusations of corruption have been employed as tools, often in the context of contestations of power. The essays in the third part of the book treat corruption as a process, taking into account its causes and effects and their impact on society, economics, and politics. Contributors: Jeremy Adelman, Virginie Coulloudon, William Doyle, Diego Gambetta, Norman J. W. Goda, Robert Gregg, Michael Johnston, William Chester Jordan, Emmanuel Kreike, Vinod Pavarala, Dilip Simeon, Pierre-Etienne Will, David Witwer, Philip Woodfine William Chester Jordan is Professor of History at Princeton University; Emmanuel Kreike is Assistant Professor of African History and Director of the African Studies Program at Princeton University
political red herring examples: Can Democracy Work? James Miller, 2018-09-18 Of all the books on democracy in recent years one of the best is James Miller’s Can Democracy Work? . . . Miller provides an intelligent journey through the turbulent past of this great human experiment in whether we can actually govern ourselves. —David Blight, The Guardian A new history of the world’s most embattled idea Today, democracy is the world’s only broadly accepted political system, and yet it has become synonymous with disappointment and crisis. How did it come to this? In Can Democracy Work? James Miller, the author of the classic history of 1960s protest Democracy Is in the Streets, offers a lively, surprising, and urgent history of the democratic idea from its first stirrings to the present. As he shows, democracy has always been rife with inner tensions. The ancient Greeks preferred to choose leaders by lottery and regarded elections as inherently corrupt and undemocratic. The French revolutionaries sought to incarnate the popular will, but many of them came to see the people as the enemy. And in the United States, the franchise would be extended to some even as it was taken from others. Amid the wars and revolutions of the twentieth century, communists, liberals, and nationalists all sought to claim the ideals of democracy for themselves—even as they manifestly failed to realize them. Ranging from the theaters of Athens to the tents of Occupy Wall Street, Can Democracy Work? is an entertaining and insightful guide to our most cherished—and vexed—ideal.
political red herring examples: Adaptive Preferences and Women's Empowerment Serene J. Khader, 2011-09-08 Serene Khader's book on adaptive preference is a book that should be read by anyone interested in oppression and how to struggle against and overcome it. According to many feminist theories of oppression, a primary problem for overcoming oppression is that the victims become accustomed to their circumstances and even come to prefer them. Their preference for their oppressive conditions then form practical and moral obstacles to changing them, since the oppressed act in ways to further those conditions and it seems cruel or unfair to take from the oppressed what they claim to prefer. Such preferences are called adaptive preferences, and transforming them seems to be an important goal of institutions that aim to improve the lives of the oppressed. This book is about how and why public institutions should intervene in the lives and societies of oppressed persons with adaptive preferences to encourage their flourishing. Although Khader explicitly targets impoverished and oppressed women in the global South, her arguments should apply equally to other contexts of oppression and deprivation.
political red herring examples: The Democratic Surround Fred Turner, 2013-12-04 A “smart and fascinating” reassessment of postwar American culture and the politics of the 1960s from the author of From Counterculture to Cyberculture (Reason Magazine). We tend to think of the sixties as an explosion of creative energy and freedom that arose in direct revolt against the social restraint and authoritarian hierarchy of the early Cold War years. Yet, as Fred Turner reveals in The Democratic Surround, the decades that brought us the Korean War and communist witch hunts also witnessed an extraordinary turn toward explicitly democratic, open, and inclusive ideas of communication—and with them new, flexible models of social order. Surprisingly, he shows that it was this turn that brought us the revolutionary multimedia and wild-eyed individualism of the 1960s counterculture. In this prequel to his celebrated book From Counterculture to Cyberculture, Turner rewrites the history of postwar America, showing how in the 1940s and ‘50s American liberalism offered a far more radical social vision than we now remember. He tracks the influential mid-century entwining of Bauhaus aesthetics with American social science and psychology. From the Museum of Modern Art in New York to the New Bauhaus in Chicago and Black Mountain College in North Carolina, Turner shows how some of the best-known artists and intellectuals of the forties developed new models of media, new theories of interpersonal and international collaboration, and new visions of an open, tolerant, and democratic self in direct contrast to the repression and conformity associated with the fascist and communist movements. He then shows how their work shaped some of the most significant media events of the Cold War, including Edward Steichen’s Family of Man exhibition, the multimedia performances of John Cage, and, ultimately, the psychedelic Be-Ins of the sixties. Turner demonstrates that by the end of the 1950s this vision of the democratic self and the media built to promote it would actually become part of the mainstream, even shaping American propaganda efforts in Europe. Overturning common misconceptions of these transformational years, The Democratic Surround shows just how much the artistic and social radicalism of the sixties owed to the liberal ideals of Cold War America, a democratic vision that still underlies our hopes for digital media today. “Brilliant . . . [an] excellent and thought-provoking book.” —Tropics of Meta
political red herring examples: Nonsense Robert Gula, 2007 Nonsense is the best compilation and study of verbal logical fallacies available anywhere. It is a handbook of the myriad ways we go about being illogical--how we deceive others and ourselves, how we think and argue in ways that are disorderly, disorganized, or irrelevant. Nonsense is also a short course in nonmathematical logical thinking, especially important for students of philosophy and economics. A book of remarkable scholarship, Nonsense is unexpectedly relaxed, informal, and accessible.
political red herring examples: Ethics for A-Level Mark Dimmock, Andrew Fisher, 2017-07-31 What does pleasure have to do with morality? What role, if any, should intuition have in the formation of moral theory? If something is ‘simulated’, can it be immoral? This accessible and wide-ranging textbook explores these questions and many more. Key ideas in the fields of normative ethics, metaethics and applied ethics are explained rigorously and systematically, with a vivid writing style that enlivens the topics with energy and wit. Individual theories are discussed in detail in the first part of the book, before these positions are applied to a wide range of contemporary situations including business ethics, sexual ethics, and the acceptability of eating animals. A wealth of real-life examples, set out with depth and care, illuminate the complexities of different ethical approaches while conveying their modern-day relevance. This concise and highly engaging resource is tailored to the Ethics components of AQA Philosophy and OCR Religious Studies, with a clear and practical layout that includes end-of-chapter summaries, key terms, and common mistakes to avoid. It should also be of practical use for those teaching Philosophy as part of the International Baccalaureate. Ethics for A-Level is of particular value to students and teachers, but Fisher and Dimmock’s precise and scholarly approach will appeal to anyone seeking a rigorous and lively introduction to the challenging subject of ethics. Tailored to the Ethics components of AQA Philosophy and OCR Religious Studies.
political red herring examples: The Oxford Handbook of Food, Politics, and Society Ronald J. Herring, 2015 How is food political? : market, state, and knowledge / Ronald J. Herring -- Science, politics, and the framing of modern agricultural technologies / John Harriss, Drew Stewart -- Genetically improved crops / Martina Newell-McGloughlin -- Agroecological intensification of smallholder farming / Rebecca Nelson, Robert Coe -- The hardest case : what blocks improvements in agriculture in Africa? / Robert L. Paarlberg -- The poor, malnutrition, biofortification, and biotechnology / Alexander J. Stein -- Biofuels : competition for land, resources, and political subsidies / David Pimentel, Michael Burgess -- Alternative paths to food security / Norman Uphoff -- Ethics of food production and consumption / Michiel Korthals -- Food, justice, and land / Saturnino M. Borras Jr., Jennifer C. Franco -- Food security, productivity, and gender inequality / Bina Agarwal -- Delivering food subsidy : the state and the market / Ashok Kotwal, Bharat Ramaswami -- Diets, nutrition, and poverty : lessons from India / Raghav Gaiha, Raghbendra Jha, Vani S. Kulkarni, Nidhi Kaicker -- Food price and trade policy biases : inefficient, inequitable, yet not inevitable / Kym Andersen -- Intellectual property rights and the politics of food / Krishna Ravi Srinivas -- Is food the answer to malnutrition / David E. Sahn -- Fighting mother nature with biotechnology / Alan McHughen -- Climate change and agriculture : countering doomsday scenarios / Derrill D. Watson II -- Wild foods / Jules Pretty, Zareen Bharucha -- Livestock in the food debate / Purvi Mehta-Bhatt, Paulo Ficarelli -- The social vision of the alternative food movement / Siddhartha Shome -- Food values beyond nutrition / Ann Grodzins Gold -- Cultural politics of food safety : genetically modified food in japan, France, and the United States / Kyoko Sato -- Food safety / Bruce M. Chassy -- The politics of food labeling and certification / Emily Clough -- The politics of grocery shopping: eating, voting, and (possibly) transforming the food system / Josée Johnston, Norah MacKendrick -- The political economy of regulation of biotechnology in agriculture / Gregory D. Graff, Gal Hochman, David Zilberman -- Coexistence in the fields? : GM, organic, and conventional food crops / Janice Thies -- Global movements for food justice / M. Jahi Chappell -- The rise of the organic foods movement as a transnational phenomenon / Tomas Larsson -- The dialectic of pro-poor papaya / Sarah Davidson Evanega, Mark Lynas -- Thinking the African food crisis : the Sahel forty years on / Michael J. Watts -- Transformation of the agrifood industry in developing countries / Thomas Reardon, C. Peter Timmer -- The twenty-first century agricultural land rush / Gregory Thaler -- Agricultural futures : the politics of knowledge / Ian Scoones
political red herring examples: Food Politics Robert Paarlberg, 2010-04-07 The politics of food is changing fast. In rich countries, obesity is now a more serious problem than hunger. Consumers once satisfied with cheap and convenient food now want food that is also safe, nutritious, fresh, and grown by local farmers using fewer chemicals. Heavily subsidized and underregulated commercial farmers are facing stronger push back from environmentalists and consumer activists, and food companies are under the microscope. Meanwhile, agricultural success in Asia has spurred income growth and dietary enrichment, but agricultural failure in Africa has left one-third of all citizens undernourished - and the international markets that link these diverse regions together are subject to sudden disruption. Food Politics: What Everyone Needs to Know® carefully examines and explains the most important issues on today's global food landscape, including international food prices, famines, chronic hunger, the Malthusian race between food production and population growth, international food aid, green revolution farming, obesity, farm subsidies and trade, agriculture and the environment, agribusiness, supermarkets, food safety, fast food, slow food, organic food, local food, and genetically engineered food. Politics in each of these areas has become polarized over the past decade by conflicting claims and accusations from advocates on all sides. Paarlberg's book maps this contested terrain, challenging myths and critiquing more than a few of today's fashionable beliefs about farming and food. For those ready to have their thinking about food politics informed and also challenged, this is the book to read. What Everyone Needs to Know® is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press.
political red herring examples: The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (Updated Edition) John J. Mearsheimer, 2003-01-17 A superb book.…Mearsheimer has made a significant contribution to our understanding of the behavior of great powers.—Barry R. Posen, The National Interest The updated edition of this classic treatise on the behavior of great powers takes a penetrating look at the question likely to dominate international relations in the twenty-first century: Can China rise peacefully? In clear, eloquent prose, John Mearsheimer explains why the answer is no: a rising China will seek to dominate Asia, while the United States, determined to remain the world's sole regional hegemon, will go to great lengths to prevent that from happening. The tragedy of great power politics is inescapable.
political red herring examples: The Critical Thinking Toolkit Galen A. Foresman, Peter S. Fosl, Jamie C. Watson, 2016-08-29 The Critical Thinking Toolkit is a comprehensive compendium that equips readers with the essential knowledge and methods for clear, analytical, logical thinking and critique in a range of scholarly contexts and everyday situations. Takes an expansive approach to critical thinking by exploring concepts from other disciplines, including evidence and justification from philosophy, cognitive biases and errors from psychology, race and gender from sociology and political science, and tropes and symbols from rhetoric Follows the proven format of The Philosopher’s Toolkit and The Ethics Toolkit with concise, easily digestible entries, “see also” recommendations that connect topics, and recommended reading lists Allows readers to apply new critical thinking and reasoning skills with exercises and real life examples at the end of each chapter Written in an accessible way, it leads readers through terrain too often cluttered with jargon Ideal for beginning to advanced students, as well as general readers, looking for a sophisticated yet accessible introduction to critical thinking
political red herring examples: The Thinker's Guide to Fallacies Linda Elder, Richard Paul, 2019-06-01 The Thinker’s Guide to Fallacies introduces the concept of mental trickery and shows readers how to discern and see through forty-four different types of fallacies. Focusing on how human self-deception and manipulation lie behind fallacies, this guide builds reasoning skills and promotes fairminded, logical thought, discussions, and debate. As part of the Thinker’s Guide Library, this book advances the mission of the Foundation for Critical Thinking to promote fair-minded critical societies through cultivating essential intellectual abilities and virtues across every field of study across world.
political red herring examples: An Idiot's Love of Idioms 2 Nick Smethurst, 2022-12-21 Ever wondered where the sayings we commonly use originate? Sometimes the things we say, if we really think about it, make absolutely no logical sense. Take what I’m saying as read but not with a pinch of salt, I think this book will be a sight for sore eyes and will warm the cockles of your heart. This book won’t cost you an arm and a leg and you won’t have to push the boat out to buy it and I’m not trying to pull the wool over your eyes as there are no smoke and mirrors here. If you like idioms it might be right up your alley and I’ll stick my neck out and say you’ll find it top drawer. Hang fire you say, well, this kind of book only comes once in a blue moon so keep your hair on, don’t flip your lid and remember every cloud has a silver lining even if it’s not cloud nine. So don’t drop a clanger and cut me some slack, buy this book and I guarantee you I’ll have you in stitches.
political red herring examples: Winning Votes by Abusing Reason Jamie Carlin Watson, 2016-12-14 Over the past few decades, psychologists have discovered that human reasoning is defective in surprising ways. We are beset by numerous biases and heuristics, which lead us to reason poorly about things that matter to us. And while there are illuminating evolutionary explanations for how these biases and heuristics may have benefited our species in its phylogeny, psychologists are unanimous that these cognitive dispositions largely corrupt rather than aid our belief-forming practices. In Winning Votes by Abusing Reason: Political Rhetoric and Responsible Belief, Jamie Watson argues that political rhetoric, rather than helping us overcome these defects, exacerbates them. And standard attempts to address this problem, such as deliberative democracy and paternalism, tend to either exclude citizens from important decisions or give them the illusion of reasoning well, perpetuating poor and irresponsible political beliefs. This book concludes that, rather than attempt more political solutions, the most promising approach to forming and preserving responsible political beliefs is to adopt individual principles of epistemic caution. The author brings together insights from political philosophy, social epistemology, behavioral psychology, and agnotology to suggest how we might protect our belief-forming behavior from the corrosive effects of political rhetoric. Recommended for scholars of philosophy, rhetoric, political science, and communications.
political red herring examples: The Red Herring Effect Paul James Sisler II, 2021-05-11 Systemic discrimination, recidivism, poor education, poverty, a flawed health-care system, and a corporate-controlled government are not new topics. Few remedies are tendered to alleviate these afflictions. Today's political storm is the evidence. Victims of police brutality. Protestors wanting justice. Business owners closing their doors. Teachers unable to educate. First responders lacking resources. The evicted unemployed. Politicians serving their corporate masters. The people affected by this political storm are seeking answers. The Red Herring Effect promotes critical thinking. It presents step-by-step strategies to reduce or abolish the problems plaguing our nation. The design of this book is to open the eyes of the politically divided people instead of creating propaganda designed to divide.
political red herring examples: Hart Online Michael Hart, 2005-06-13 This book is a compilation of my best online lectures between the years 2002 and 2004. They cover varied subjects in History, Politics, and Philosophy. Most of the History lectures are American History since the Civil War. Lectures in Philosophy vary from logic, to ethics, to political economy. There are also some lectures in the area of Public Administration. The greatest benefit that one can derive from reading this book lies in acquiring a deeper understanding about how the world, and especially the American society, works. The book is densely packed with content, and yet I believe, it is a fascinating and enjoyable read, if the reader is eager to understand more about the world in which he or she lives.
political red herring examples: Analyzing Oppression Ann E. Cudd, 2006 Analyzing Oppression presents a new, integrated theory of social oppression, which tackles the fundamental question that no theory of oppression has satisfactorily answered: if there is no natural hierarchy among humans, why are some cases of oppression so persistent? Cudd argues that the explanation lies in the coercive co-opting of the oppressed to join in their own oppression. This answer sets the stage for analysis throughout the book, as it explores the questions of how and why the oppressed join in their oppression. Cudd argues that oppression is an institutionally structured harm perpetrated on social groups by other groups using direct and indirect material, economic, and psychological force. Among the most important and insidious of the indirect forces is an economic force that operates through oppressed persons' own rational choices. This force constitutes the central feature of analysis, and the book argues that this force is especially insidious because it conceals the fact of oppression from the oppressed and from others who would be sympathetic to their plight. The oppressed come to believe that they suffer personal failings and this belief appears to absolve society from responsibility. While on Cudd's view oppression is grounded in material exploitation and physical deprivation, it cannot be long sustained without corresponding psychological forces. Cudd examines the direct and indirect psychological forces that generate and sustain oppression. She discusses strategies that groups have used to resist oppression and argues that all persons have a moral responsibility to resist in some way. In the concluding chapter Cudd proposes a concept of freedom that would be possible for humans in a world that is actively opposing oppression, arguing that freedom for each individual is only possible when we achieve freedom for all others.
political red herring examples: Visual Global Politics Roland Bleiker, 2018-02-13 We live in a visual age. Images and visual artefacts shape international events and our understanding of them. Photographs, film and television influence how we view and approach phenomena as diverse as war, diplomacy, financial crises and election campaigns. Other visual fields, from art and cartoons to maps, monuments and videogames, frame how politics is perceived and enacted. Drones, satellites and surveillance cameras watch us around the clock and deliver images that are then put to political use. Add to this that new technologies now allow for a rapid distribution of still and moving images around the world. Digital media platforms, such as Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, play an important role across the political spectrum, from terrorist recruitment drives to social justice campaigns. This book offers the first comprehensive engagement with visual global politics. Written by leading experts in numerous scholarly disciplines and presented in accessible and engaging language, Visual Global Politics is a one-stop source for students, scholars and practitioners interested in understanding the crucial and persistent role of images in today’s world.
political red herring examples: Modern American Diplomacy John Martin Carroll, George C. Herring, 1996 Reflects various advances in scholarship.
political red herring examples: The Revolt of The Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium Martin Gurri , 2018-12-04 How insurgencies—enabled by digital devices and a vast information sphere—have mobilized millions of ordinary people around the world. In the words of economist and scholar Arnold Kling, Martin Gurri saw it coming. Technology has categorically reversed the information balance of power between the public and the elites who manage the great hierarchical institutions of the industrial age: government, political parties, the media. The Revolt of the Public tells the story of how insurgencies, enabled by digital devices and a vast information sphere, have mobilized millions of ordinary people around the world. Originally published in 2014, The Revolt of the Public is now available in an updated edition, which includes an extensive analysis of Donald Trump’s improbable rise to the presidency and the electoral triumphs of Brexit. The book concludes with a speculative look forward, pondering whether the current elite class can bring about a reformation of the democratic process and whether new organizing principles, adapted to a digital world, can arise out of the present political turbulence.
political red herring examples: Burdens of Freedom Lawrence M. Mead, 2019-04-23 Burdens of Freedom presents a new and radical interpretation of America and its challenges. The United States is an individualist society where most people seek to realize personal goals and values out in the world. This unusual, inner-driven culture was the chief reason why first Europe, then Britain, and finally America came to lead the world. But today, our deepest problems derive from groups and nations that reflect the more passive, deferential temperament of the non-West. The long-term poor and many immigrants have difficulties assimilating in America mainly because they are less inner-driven than the norm. Abroad, the United States faces challenges from Asia, which is collective-minded, and also from many poorly-governed countries in the developing world. The chief threat to American leadership is no longer foreign rivals like China but the decay of individualism within our own society. The great divide is between the individualist West, for which life is a project, and the rest of the world, in which most people seek to survive rather than achieve. This difference, although clear in research on world cultures, has been ignored in virtually all previous scholarship on American power and public policy, both at home and abroad. Burdens of Freedom is the first book to recognize that difference. It casts new light on America's greatest struggles. It re-evaluates the entire Western tradition, which took individualism for granted. How to respond to cultural difference is the greatest test of our times.
political red herring examples: President Trump's Tweets 2016 Anthony Michalisko, 2018-06 After defeating a large Republican field in the primaries, Candidate Trump set his campaign in high gear for the General Election. With a hostile media spewing fake news, Donald Trump effectively used Twitter to thrust himself into the White House. Inside you'll find the tweets that defeated Hillary Clinton.
political red herring examples: 42 Fallacies Michael LaBossiere, 2013-03-12 This book presents descriptions and examples of 42 common informal fallacies: Ad Hominem Ad Hominem Tu Quoque Appeal to the Consequences of a Belief Appeal to Authority Appeal to Belief Appeal to Common Practice Appeal to Emotion Appeal to Fear Appeal to Flattery Appeal to Novelty Appeal to Pity Appeal to Popularity Appeal to Ridicule Appeal to Spite Appeal to Tradition Begging the Question Biased Generalization Burden of Proof Circumstantial Ad Hominem Fallacy of Composition Confusing Cause and Effect Fallacy of Division False Dilemma Gambler's Fallacy Genetic Fallacy Guilt by Association Hasty Generalization Ignoring a Common Cause Middle Ground Misleading Vividness Peer Pressure Personal Attack Poisoning the Well Post Hoc Questionable Cause Red Herring Relativist Fallacy Slippery Slope Special Pleading Spotlight Straw Man Two Wrongs Make a Right
political red herring examples: The Politics of Social Media Manipulation Richard Rogers, Sabine Niederer, 2020-10-23 Disinformation and so-called fake news are contemporary phenomena with rich histories. Disinformation, or the willful introduction of false information for the purposes of causing harm, recalls infamous foreign interference operations in national media systems. Outcries over fake news, or dubious stories with the trappings of news, have coincided with the introduction of new media technologies that disrupt the publication, distribution and consumption of news -- from the so-called rumour-mongering broadsheets centuries ago to the blogosphere recently. Designating a news organization as fake, or der Lügenpresse, has a darker history, associated with authoritarian regimes or populist bombast diminishing the reputation of 'elite media' and the value of inconvenient truths. In a series of empirical studies, using digital methods and data journalism, we inquire into the extent to which social media have enabled the penetration of foreign disinformation operations, the widespread publication and spread of dubious content as well as extreme commentators with considerable followings attacking mainstream media as fake.
political red herring examples: Governing the Commons Elinor Ostrom, 2015-09-23 Tackles one of the most enduring and contentious issues of positive political economy: common pool resource management.
political red herring examples: Understanding Rhetoric Eamon M. Cunningham, 2020-01-01 Understanding Rhetoric: A Guide to Critical Reading and Argumentation is a composition textbook that outlines three essential skills – rhetoric, argument, and source-based writing – geared towards newcomers and advanced students alike. Though comprehensive in its coverage, the book’s focus is a simple one: how to move beyond a gut reaction while reading to an articulation of what is effective and what is not, while explicitly answering the most important question of Why? This text gets at this central concern in two fundamental ways. First, the text teaches composition as a cumulative process, coaching you how to question, challenge, and expand on not just the readings you hold in your hands, but also how to interrogate the internal processes of writing and thinking. The book's blend of composition methods detail the cross-point of product and process to turn reading and writing from a matter of coming up with answers to questions to learning what type of questions need to be asked in the first place. The right questions, the text argues, are fundamentally rhetorical in nature. Second, the content of the practice-based chapters is framed into a larger mesh of intellectual history to show how the writing and thinking you are doing today is continuous with a long history of writing instruction that goes back to the ancient world. This book provides equal representation from classical and contemporary theory with the recognition that theory cannot be fully grasped without practice, and practice cannot be fully understood without its theoretical antecedent. After all, you can’t write outside the box until you know where the box is and what it looks like.
political red herring examples: The Food Babe Way Vani Hari, 2015-02-10 Eliminate toxins from your diet and transform the way you feel in just 21 days with this national bestseller full of shopping lists, meal plans, and mouth-watering recipes. Did you know that your fast food fries contain a chemical used in Silly Putty? Or that a juicy peach sprayed heavily with pesticides could be triggering your body to store fat? When we go to the supermarket, we trust that all our groceries are safe to eat. But much of what we're putting into our bodies is either tainted with chemicals or processed in a way that makes us gain weight, feel sick, and age before our time. Luckily, Vani Hari -- aka the Food Babe -- has got your back. A food activist who has courageously put the heat on big food companies to disclose ingredients and remove toxic additives from their products, Hari has made it her life's mission to educate the world about how to live a clean, organic, healthy lifestyle in an overprocessed, contaminated-food world, and how to look and feel fabulous while doing it. In The Food Babe Way, Hari invites you to follow an easy and accessible plan that will transform the way you feel in three weeks. Learn how to: Remove unnatural chemicals from your diet Rid your body of toxins Lose weight without counting calories Restore your natural glow Including anecdotes of her own transformation along with easy-to-follow shopping lists, meal plans, and tantalizing recipes, The Food Babe Way will empower you to change your food, change your body, and change the world.
political red herring examples: The Practice of Argumentation David Zarefsky, 2019-09-19 Explores how we justify our beliefs - and try to influence those of others - both soundly and effectively.
political red herring examples: Ethics in Human Communication Richard L. Johannesen, Kathleen S. Valde, Karen E. Whedbee, 2008-01-09 Broad in scope, yet precise in exposition, the Sixth Edition of this highly acclaimed ethics text has been infused with new insights and updated material. Richard Johannesen and new coauthors Kathleen Valde and Karen Whedbee provide a thorough, comprehensive overview of philosophical perspectives and communication contexts, pinpointing and explicating ethical issues unique to human communication. Chief among the authors objectives are to: provide classic and contemporary perspectives for making ethical judgments about human communication; sensitize communication participants to essential ethical issues in the human communication process; illuminate complexities and challenges involved in making evaluations of communication ethics; and offer ideas for becoming more discerning evaluators of others communication. Provocative questions and illustrative case studies stimulate reflexive thinking and aid readers in developing their own approach to communication ethics. A comprehensive list of resources spotlights books, scholarly articles, videos, and Web sites useful for further research or personal exploration.