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Fallacy Library Ignoratio Elenchi
Informal fallacy

Ignoratio Elenchi

Presents reasons that may sound relevant but do not actually answer the point at issue.

Definition

Presents reasons that may sound relevant but do not actually answer the point at issue.

Example
Asked whether the policy reduces emissions, the speaker answers by saying the country needs jobs.
Extended explanation

How to think about it:

Presents reasons that may sound relevant but do not actually answer the point at issue. In practice, the key question is whether the conclusion is supported by evidence and logic, or whether it depends on this reasoning shortcut instead.

Related entries

Related by logic, rhetoric, or real-world co-occurrence

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