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Some Argue


Thaddeus stevens speech 1868.jpg

  • Date Found: Pre-Internet
  • Used By: Internet denizens, Forum users, IRC users, Trolls, Wikipedia
 

"Some argue..." is used to give a statement a neutral point-of-view (NPOV).

Common usage

Considered a "weasel word" by Wikipedia, despite its popularity on the site, Some Argue has long been a staple of internet debate. It can be appended to any opinion to give the impression it is a cited fact.

Cases

An individual may use Some Argue to avoid defending a statement. Likewise, a statement may seem more credible if "others" agree.

Ex.
Some argue that jobseekers with social media skills will have an advantage in a tight labor market.

If the "some" in Some Argue is meant to refer to experts, this could be an appeal to authority. If experts in the related field have presented the argument, evidence should be given.

Ex.
Some physicists argue fusion energy will be feasible in the next few decades.

If the "experts" are outside the field of relevance (e.g., someone without education, training, or recognition in that field), it should be considered an appeal to authority.

Ex.
Many evangelical leaders argue that creationism should be taught as an alternative scientific explanation to evolutionary biology.

Separate from Some Argue, Many Argue could be considered an appeal to popularity.












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