Poisoning the Well

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Poisoning the Well

• By Tessa Britt and Tracey Resner

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Definition?

• This sort of "reasoning" involves trying to
  discredit what a person might later claim by
  presenting unfavorable information (be it true or
  false) about the person. This "argument" has the
  following form
• Unfavorable information (be it true or false)
  about person A is presented.
• Therefore any claims person A makes will be
  false.

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Real World Example

• The 2010 Attorney General election
• A paid ad by the American Crossroads had defiled
  the name and credibility of Jack Conway, claiming
  that because of his position in office, meth labs
  had increased by 60.

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Crucible Examples

• Abigail She hates me, uncle, she must, for I
  would not be her slave. Its a bitter woman, a
  lying, cold, sniveling woman, and I will not work
  for such a woman.
• -The Crucible

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Crucible Examples (con.)

• Proctor I have made a bell of my honor! I have
  rung the doom of my good name you will believe
  me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she
  knew a whore when she saw one!
• -The Crucible

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The End! (sources)

• Background
• Deep Purple Skulls. Layout Sparks. n.d. JPEG
  file. Web. 14 April. 2011.
• FallacyFallacy Poisoning the Well. The Nizkor
  Project. n.d. Web. 14 April. 2011.
• Image
• My Top Ten Willy Inducing Moments.
  Fascination With Fear/Blog Spot. Web. 14 April.
  2011.
• Examples
• American Crossroads. Hollow Eyes.
  Washington, DC. 2010. Campaign Pamphlet.