Straw Man

Definition: The author attacks an argument which is different from, and usually weaker than, the opposition's best argument. Examples: (i) People who opposed the Charlottown Accord probably just wanted Quebec to separate. But we want Quebec to stay in Canada. (ii) We should have conscription. People don't want to enter the military because they find it an inconvenience. But they should realize that there are more important things than convenience. Proof: Show that the opposition's argument has been misrepresented by showing that the opposition has a stronger argument. Describe the stronger argument.