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A speaker argues: 'My opponent claims we should reduce defence spending. So my opponent wants the country to be defenceless.' This is BEST classified as
AA valid restatement
BThe straw man fallacy — distorting the opponent's position into an absurd one easier to attack
CModus tollens
DAn appeal to consequences
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The straw man fallacy — distorting the opponent's position into an absurd one easier to attack
Reducing spending ≠ being defenceless. The speaker constructs an exaggerated 'straw man' version of the opponent's view and refutes that, not the actual proposal. A classic fallacy in political debate.
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