Straw Man A straw man argument is one in which you construct a weak version of someone else’s position so that it’s an easier target for you to knock down. This is the opposite of the principle of charity, in which the strongest version of an opposing position is assumed. Often positions that no one actually holds are argued against. This can make it seem as if you have vanquished any objections to your own position, or it can be used to make the opposing side seem silly or easily refuted.
