#32 – Having Better Conversations by Avoiding Logical Fallacies

J.P, Stan, and Jordan discuss how to have better conversations. They discuss how three informal fallacies (the Red Herring Fallacy, the Genetic Fallacy, and the Ad Hominem Fallacy) can shut down healthy dialogue and how to develop habits that help us avoid using them.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What is an informal logical fallacy?
• What does the Red Herring Fallacy sound like in a conversation?
• Practical ways to get a conversation back on track
• What is the Genetic Fallacy? How can we avoid using it?
• How do we evaluate ideas fairly, even if we don’t like the person?
• What is the Ad Hominem Fallacy and how does it sabotage conversations?
• How is the Ad Hominem Fallacy related to the Tu Quoque Fallacy?
• Tips to encourage understanding in conversations and when to disengage
• Making the distinction between “nice” and “kind” in best loving our neighbor

Resources and References:

• Koh Ewe, “The Ultimate Election Year: All the Elections Around the World in 2024,” Time Magazine
• A quick video explaining many informal fallacies
• Stan Wallace, “Three Ways to Shut Down Healthy Conversations”
• Wireless Philosophy, Lessons and quizzes on several informal fallacies via Khan Academy.
• The Winsom Conviction Project Podcase