Vastandväide

Vastandväide, also known as the "argument from opposition" or "argumentum ad hominem," is a logical fallacy in which an argument is dismissed because it is opposed by another argument. This fallacy assumes that if two arguments are in opposition, one must be false. However, this assumption is not necessarily valid, as both arguments could be true but address different aspects of the issue.

The vastandväide can be further divided into two types: the argument from opposition and the argument from contradiction. The argument from opposition occurs when two arguments are presented as mutually exclusive, implying that one must be false. The argument from contradiction, on the other hand, occurs when two arguments are presented as contradictory, implying that one must be false.

Despite its name, the vastandväide is not always an argument against a person. It can also be used to dismiss arguments based on their content, rather than the person presenting them. However, this use of the vastandväide can also be a logical fallacy, as it assumes that the truth of an argument is independent of its content.

In conclusion, the vastandväide is a logical fallacy that assumes the falsity of an argument based on its opposition to another argument. While it can be used to dismiss arguments based on their content, it is important to recognize that this use can also be a fallacy.