LOGIC. A LOGICAL FALLACY FROM THE "ANIMAL KINGDOM?" PT 2.

The RED HERRING is a common Logical Fallacy.  Unfortunately, sometimes it is hard to pick up on, because of its Flagrant Absurdity.

It is the Literal, "COMING OUT OF LEFT FIELD", type of response.  It catches many Debaters off guard, who try to find the Reasoning behind it, but cannot because it is Essentially Nonsensical. 

It is used for many different reasons, and with a little practice can be a Formidable Weapon to create Doubt and Dissension among Opponents and Casual Observers. 

It can be a Developed Skill, used to confuse the Issue at Hand, and directed at those unfamiliar with the Rules of Deductive Reasoning. 

Naturally, there are certain Professions that can turn this Fallacy into an Effective Tool.  It can be used to gain support, or influence others to make decisions that are not considered carefully, and without an eye towards possible Deception.

Here is an example;

Politicians-  There are many issues that a Constituency might consider important, but for those Voters voicing opinions that might come across as Narrow Minded, Prejudicial, or Self- Centered, when viewed by the Opposition or the Undecided, an Unscrupulous Politician can provide a "RED HERRING" that creates a Scapegoat or Phantom Enemy, to justify the opinions put forth by that part of the Electorate. 

Remember, the RED HERRING HAS NOTHING TO WITH TRUTH, FACTS, AND THE REALITY OF A GIVEN SITUATION.  ITS ONLY PURPOSE IS TO HIDE THE ACTUAL REASONING BEHIND THE OPINIONS BEING EXPRESSED.

IT IS A FALLACY THAT LOOKS FOR EXCUSES TO EXPLAIN THE SUPPORT FOR CERTAIN ISSUES, OR THE JUDGMENT THAT IS BEING EXPRESSED ON GIVEN SUBJECTS. 

LOGIC. IT'S NOT JUST FOR VULCANS, AND VIEWERS OF "THE BIG BANG THEORY." #4 PT 3.

Remember one thing:  A Doctor or Lawyer dispensing advice or opinions on a network T.V. or radio 

program is mindful that the show is there primarily to entertain.  It might also educate, but that is secondary.

Often this means promoting, or at least not being critical of dubious and unproven health products, and offering legal advice without being sure of the true nature of the matter as it pertains to our legal system.

Acquiring the education and passing the necessary hurdles to legally practice Medicine or Law in the U.S. is a tremendous accomplishment, both intellectually and emotionally. You don't fake your way through Medical or Law school, you earn it.

However, what the general public must understand is that Doctors and Lawyers are, after all, still human beings. Dedicated and brilliant as they may seem, some will succumb to the influences of fame and easy money.  This can sometimes lead to questionable judgments that are not in the best interests of the Audience, Society or the Public Image of the given profession.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

-  No MD is an expert in all fields of medicine, and no attorney is an expert in all parts of the law.  Is the opinion or advice really in their area of expertise, if not, how far removed are they?

-  To what degree will they profit in choosing one side over another, do they have a vested interest in the outcome?

-  Are they promoting themselves as having special knowledge or expertise that is not known or available to others?

-  Sometimes your judged by the company you keep.  Who are their allies?  What types of Individuals or groups agree with the opinions being offered, and who are opposed?

-  This last one especially applies to the medical field-  What type or manner of evidence is provided supporting their point of view?  Is it based on Proper Peer Reviewed Clinical Trials?  Can it withstand scrutiny by the Scientific Method?  How much of the evidence is anecdotal?  Anecdotal evidence is virtually useless in establishing the worth of any drug or treatment.

So, no matter who you are watching or listening to, always keep an open mind.

Your life may literally depend on it.

Look for future entries in this category.

LOGIC. IT'S NOT JUST FOR VULCANS, AND VIEWERS OF "THE BIG BANG THEORY." #4 PT 2.

Don't get me wrong, when looking for solutions, it is best to seek out those whose Education, Knowledge and Training are best suited to provide answers.

However, just because someone has M.D. , PhD , LLD, or any other designation on their door or business card, does not indicate Infallibility.

Further, one may have done great things in their Field or Profession in the past, but that does not automatically guarantee success in the future.

So, how are we to know if the advice being given is valid and practical, or is the self-serving ramblings of a self- appointed expert? Here are some guidelines:

ABILITY OR PROFICIENCY IN ONE PROFESSION OR SUBJECT  DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY ARE QUALIFIED TO ADVISE OUTSIDE THEIR REALM OF EXPERTISE- This should be self-explanatory, yet I see it time and time again;

-  Actors advising others on matters of health.

-  Athletes giving financial advice.

-  PhD.s in one discipline, commenting on other

academic fields.

-  Talk show hosts dispensing "Words of Wisdom"

on all sorts of problems, while having no real expert 

knowledge on any subject.

-  Politicians commenting on legal matters, when in 

some cases they have little or no formal training. 

While these might seem obvious to some, there are other

examples that are not so easy to spot.  These are cases 

where the individual may be trained in a certain discipline or

occupation, but is not qualified to speak or advise in every area

of their chosen profession.

This is a situation we often find when discussing two specific fields,

that require special post- graduate education leading to proper 

licensing. They are each bound by a strict Code of Ethics, and can

be sanctioned for any violations.  Yet, these specialists are needed 

to help others, often in situations that can have a permanent life- long

affect that cannot be changed.  I am referring to the MEDICAL and LEGAL

Professions.

End PT 2.

THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN. SUMMER OF ACTION 2017.

We’re keeping those who have been impacted by Hurricane Irma in our thoughts today, tomorrow and in the days ahead. Please join us in thinking of the families and communities who have been affected, and all who remain in its path. Thank you. -Team HRC

Thank You David, for making the SUMMER OF ACTION a success!

David, I was floored when I saw these numbers. Look at all of the incredible ways our community came together to make HRC’s Summer of Action a pivotal moment in our resistance. I mean it when I say that we couldn’t do this work without the dedication of friends like you. This year has not been easy, and it has been anything but predictable. But with you by our side, we’ve overcome hate — and we will continue to do so, together. The Summer of Action may be over, but the important role you play is not. It will take every single one of us speaking out and standing up for our beliefs to reach the day when LGBTQ people are truly equal. Cathy Nelson Senior Vice President, Membership