When an arguer responds to an argument by not addressing the points of the argument. Unlike the strawman fallacy , avoiding the issue does not create an unrelated argument to divert attention, it simply avoids the argument .
Examples:
- Daryl: Answer honestly, do you think if we were born and raised in Iran, by Iranian parents, we would still be Christian, or would we be Muslim? Ross: I think those of us raised in a place where Christianity is taught are fortunate. Daryl: I agree, but do you think if we were born and raised in Iran, by Iranian parents, we would still be Christian, or would we be Muslim? Ross: Your faith is weak—you need to pray to God to make it stronger. Daryl: I guess you’re right. What was I thinking?
Synonyms: avoiding the question [form of], missing the point, straying off the subject, digressing, distraction [form of]