Which term describes the fallacy of shifting the topic to avoid addressing the main issue?

Which term describes the fallacy of shifting the topic to avoid addressing the main issue?

• A. Disproving a Minor Point
• B. Ad Hominem
• C. Diversion
• D. Attacking a Straw Man

Answer: (C)

The term that describes the fallacy of shifting the topic to avoid addressing the main issue is "Diversion." This fallacy occurs when someone introduces a different subject or point in an attempt to distract from the original argument. By redirecting the conversation, the person sidesteps addressing the crucial issues at hand, often leading the discussion away from the core argument or problem being debated. In contrast, the other choices refer to different logical fallacies. Disproving a minor point involves focusing on a less significant argument rather than engaging with the main issues presented. Ad Hominem refers to attacking the character or circumstances of an individual rather than their argument, which similarly distracts from the topic but takes a different approach. Attacking a Straw Man involves misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack, rather than addressing the actual argument the person is making. In essence, "Diversion" captures the essence of evading the main topic by introducing unrelated or less relevant information, effectively steering the conversation away from what truly matters.

The term that describes the fallacy of shifting the topic to avoid addressing the main issue is "Diversion." This fallacy occurs when someone introduces a different subject or point in an attempt to distract from the original argument. By redirecting the conversation, the person sidesteps addressing the crucial issues at hand, often leading the discussion away from the core argument or problem being debated.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different logical fallacies. Disproving a minor point involves focusing on a less significant argument rather than engaging with the main issues presented. Ad Hominem refers to attacking the character or circumstances of an individual rather than their argument, which similarly distracts from the topic but takes a different approach. Attacking a Straw Man involves misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack, rather than addressing the actual argument the person is making.

In essence, "Diversion" captures the essence of evading the main topic by introducing unrelated or less relevant information, effectively steering the conversation away from what truly matters.