Yes it is a strawman. But to me it's a pattern of thinking I notice in SEVERAL areas. This sort of intellectual arrogance in America where people think they know things without knowing anything about it. We're all probably guilty of that from time to time, allowing our assumptions to poison the well of particular topics. I know I was guilty of it when I was younger. A lot of it comes from the propaganda of our country. I thought minimum wage was a "No Duh" policy. When I first heard the counterarguments against it, it blew my mind. It legit like hurt my feelings to accept that it was true. So I'm not saying I'm special, but some people never grow out of it.
I'm reading Adam Grant's Think Again book. He is an organizational psychologist and professor at Wharton. He has identified an "Armchair Quarterback Syndrome". My favorite line in the book so far: "If we're certain that we know something, we have no reason to look for gaps and flaws in our knowledge - let alone fill or correct them." Found in the section called "Stranded at the Summit of Mount Stupid." I am feeding parts of the book to the obstinate liberals on Facebook. Plus, I'm trying to learn how to reach these people that are so set in their ways. I know that I'm now never certain that I know something.
I love that quote, and definitely try to apply that to myself too. That line of thinking is what led me towards libertarianism, questioning everything. Which I think I got from George Carlin. Ha. But even now I don't even think I'm a libertarian anymore, this last year has made me question it. I'm not sure exactly where I fall anymore. I don't think every solution is about the government or type of government you have. I think the morality of the people and their values is even more important.
Yes it is a strawman. But to me it's a pattern of thinking I notice in SEVERAL areas. This sort of intellectual arrogance in America where people think they know things without knowing anything about it. We're all probably guilty of that from time to time, allowing our assumptions to poison the well of particular topics. I know I was guilty of it when I was younger. A lot of it comes from the propaganda of our country. I thought minimum wage was a "No Duh" policy. When I first heard the counterarguments against it, it blew my mind. It legit like hurt my feelings to accept that it was true. So I'm not saying I'm special, but some people never grow out of it.
I'm reading Adam Grant's Think Again book. He is an organizational psychologist and professor at Wharton. He has identified an "Armchair Quarterback Syndrome". My favorite line in the book so far: "If we're certain that we know something, we have no reason to look for gaps and flaws in our knowledge - let alone fill or correct them." Found in the section called "Stranded at the Summit of Mount Stupid." I am feeding parts of the book to the obstinate liberals on Facebook. Plus, I'm trying to learn how to reach these people that are so set in their ways. I know that I'm now never certain that I know something.
I love that quote, and definitely try to apply that to myself too. That line of thinking is what led me towards libertarianism, questioning everything. Which I think I got from George Carlin. Ha. But even now I don't even think I'm a libertarian anymore, this last year has made me question it. I'm not sure exactly where I fall anymore. I don't think every solution is about the government or type of government you have. I think the morality of the people and their values is even more important.
Beware the advanced strawman argument of the motte and bailey as well.