Informal fallacy: Pseudo-Tolerance Fallacy

This fallacy occurs when a person assumes that asserting “I must respect all opinions” (or some variation) ends the need for further consideration of an issue.

1.       “I must respect all opinions “(or some variation is presented).

2.       Therefore I cannot say which opinions are better or worse.

This line of reasoning if fallacious, although it is important to respect and care for the person who represents a position or opinion, it is rubbish to assume that all opinions are reasonable or true.

Arguing against the content of someone’s opinion is not the same as attacking the person’s right to an opinion. Merely stating that we must “respect all opinions” hardly proves that there is no better or worse position on the issue at hand.

 Example:

Person A: Abortion is just like murder!
Person B: I totally disagree. I think a woman can make a choice about what’s in her best interest regarding a baby.
Person C: Well, I think abortion is okay under certain circumstances…
Person D: Look, I respect all of your opinions. I think what’s most important here is to respect each other’s rights to have their own views – and then let it go at that.

Evasive techniques to create a false sense of security and unity are an end in themselves for some folks, but truth and the pursuit of truth are the best way always in and of itself and are not a popularity contest: politics and truth are two separate entities.

credit and thanks to:
www.Hebrew4Christians.com