Argumentum ad Temperantiam, also known as the middle ground fallacy, is a logical fallacy that occurs when a conclusion is drawn based on the premise that the middle ground between two extremes is the best approach. This fallacy assumes that both sides of an argument are equally valid and that the truth lies somewhere in between. However, this assumption is not always true, and the middle ground may not be the best solution. This fallacy is often used in debates and discussions as a way to avoid taking a strong stance on an issue or to appear reasonable and balanced. However, it can be a misleading and ineffective way to resolve disputes, as it fails to consider the evidence and arguments presented by each side. One of the dangers of argumentum ad temperantiam is that it can lead to a false sense of compromise and can prevent meaningful progress from being made. It can also be used as a tactic to discredit one side of an argument by suggesting that their position is extreme or unreasonable. To avoid this fallacy, it is important to carefully consider the evidence and arguments presented by each side of an issue and to evaluate them on their own merits. It is also important to recognize that the truth may not always lie in the middle ground and that taking a strong stance on an issue can sometimes be the most effective way to bring about change.
logical fallacy, middle ground fallacy, conclusion, premise, debate, evidence, compromise, progress
CITATION : "David Anderson. 'Argumentum Ad Temperantiam.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=358312 (Accessed on July 06, 2025)"
Argumentum ad Temperantiam is a logical fallacy which has its roots in an appeal to emotion and is often used when attempting to resolve a dispute. This fallacy is used to draw a conclusion based on the premise that the middle ground is the best approach, disregarding evidence of either side's arguments. This fallacy is based on the assumption that both sides of the dispute must be wrong, and that the best approach to resolving the dispute is to select a middle ground. This fallacy is common in debates, as it is an easy way to avoid the risk of being wrong.
Moderation, Balance, Compromise
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