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PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London.
Refuting the example
Examples are often used in support of arguments. When critics attack the example and not the central thesis, it is considered fallacious and is known as refuting the example. (176).
Based on Pirie's example: (176).
'Teenagers are bad-mannered these days.' 'A teenager was running and bumped into me yesterday and did not apologize to me'
Pirie based reply:
'That is wrong, as the boy in question, was no longer a teenager.' (176).
The interjected complaint and example in regard to the incident with the former teenager does not support the central premise that 'teenagers are bad-mannered these days'. The young male mentioned in the example, is not a teenager.
Example premises:
'Right-wing, American fundamentalist, Christians do not regard science seriously enough.'
'Russ Murray on his blog, mentioned the Kingdom of God, which is not scientific.'
I am not right-wing, I am a moderate conservative, I am slightly right of centre, politically, and it would be a very debatable premise to call me right-wing, if the concept of far right is meant.
I am a moderate conservative, biblical Christian within the Reformed tradition. Incidentally, sadly, some within the University of Manchester, Religions and Theology Department committed the fallacy discussed, on this point, assuming I was an American, fundamentalist, Christian, or at least a Canadian of the same views.
According to my two passports, I am Canadian and British. I do not possess an American passport.
Discussing the Kingdom of God, academically, would make sense in the context of theology and biblical studies. I also do discuss science concepts at times with academic references.
The example does not support the premise.
