Fallacies of Meta-argumentation

Scott Aikin ; John Casey Northeastern Illinois University

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article argues that the theoretical concept of meta-argumentative fallacy is useful. The authors argue for this along two lines. The first is that with the concept, the authors may clarify the concept of meta-argumentation. That is, by theorizing where meta-argument goes wrong, the authors may capture the norms of this level of argumentation. The second is that the concept of meta-argumentative fallacies provides an explanatory model for a variety of errors in argument otherwise difficult to theorize. The authors take three as exemplary: the straw man, both sides, and free speech fallacies.

Journal
Philosophy & Rhetoric
Published
2022-12-30
DOI
10.5325/philrhet.55.4.0360
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
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