Word Magic & Straw Man Arguments

I have long been a fan of Dr. P. L. Thomas, Associate Professor of Education at Furman University, former high school English teachers, author and blogger, regarding education policy.  His recent posting on “Word Magic” articulately states the fallacy that I see so often in arguments about education policy.  The concept of “Word Magic” is a key component to creating the “Straw Man Argument” against an opponent’s position or proposal.

As Thomas puts it, ““Poverty is not destiny” is word magic, but it doesn’t make that come true. A more credible claim, an ethical claim, is “poverty should not be destiny,” and then we need to do something about it.  (Emphasis is mine.)

I urge you to read Prof. Thomas’s article and look further into the concept of “Word Magic”.

http://www.networkforpubliceducation.org/news/word-magic-education-and-market-forces-the-becoming-ra...