LSAT Practice Test

Which fallacy involves an argument that draws attention away from the main issue?

1. Loaded words

2. Amphiboly

3. Denying the antecedent

4. Red herring

The correct answer is: Red herring

The correct answer is D. Red herring. A red herring fallacy is a type of logical fallacy where an irrelevant topic is presented in order to divert attention from the original issue being discussed. This distracts the audience and shifts the focus away from the main argument or point, leading them down a different path. In this way, the red herring fallacy can be used to deceive or manipulate by introducing irrelevant information to mislead or confuse others. The other options: A. Loaded words - This fallacy involves using emotionally charged words to influence the audience's perception rather than addressing the main issue. B. Amphiboly - This fallacy occurs when the structure of a sentence allows for multiple interpretations, leading to confusion or misunderstanding. C. Denying the antecedent - This fallacy occurs when someone argues that a conditional statement is false because the sufficient condition is not met, which is not related to diverting attention from the main issue.