We a nation of sound bites, social media, good vs. evil binary thinking, and of straw men arguments. Straw Nation, is an attempt to expose fallacies, and promote critical thinking.
Critical Thinking (About StrawNation)
Logic is the study of the formal principles of reasoning. It examines the forms of argument to determine which are valid, and which are fallacies.
A fallacy is a misconception created, inadvertently or by design, using flawed reasoning. A straw man argument is a fallacy based on the exaggeration or misrepresentation of an opposing position in order to weaken it; it refutes the distortion; then concludes the actual position has been discredited. Imagine a boxer propping up an effigy of an adversary (a straw man), soundly beating it, and then declaring victory over the actual adversary.
I have seen a steady decline in the exercise of critical thinking over the years. We are becoming a nation of sound bites, good vs. evil, and straw men. We are rapidly becoming a Straw Nation. This is my attempt to reverse, or at least to impede that trend. I will present essays and opinions intended to challenge, and encourage critical thinking. If I do not change your position, but I inspire you to honestly rethink it, I will have succeeded. Even if it strengthens your initial conviction.
I will employ logic, humor, sarcasm, and whatever rhetorical devices I can to challenge, animate and inform you. I will even set up the occasional straw man.
The opinions expressed here are mine alone, but I welcome your comments and opinions ([email protected]). I will read and evaluate your opinions in the same way I ask you to consider mine, and may publish your rebuttals if you give your permission, and I find them suitable.
It is my hope to keep this website current, and will make an honest effort to publish regularly. However, I am limited in my ability and time, and want to make sure that what I publish is worth your time, so I apologize in advance if I fail to meet this objective. Please check back regularly for updates.