Off the Scent

A red herring answers a question by changing the subject. Asked one thing, the speaker talks about another, often something true or moving, and the first question quietly drops away. The name comes from an old story about dragging a smoked fish across a trail to throw hounds off the scent.

The new topic may matter. That is what makes the move work: it is hard to object to a point about safety, children or fairness. But a reply can be true and still not be an answer. The question on the table is still waiting.

The habit is simple. After any reply, ask whether the first question was answered. If it was not, grant the new point and bring the talk back.

The parking question

At a residents’ meeting, Dana asks why parking permits doubled in price. The manager says the building has just won an award for its gardens, and everyone claps.

When the clapping ends, Dana says, “The gardens are lovely, and I am glad. My question was about the permits. Why did the price double?” The manager admits that the cost of a new gate system was passed on.

Try this today In your next discussion, notice one reply that changed the subject, and ask the first question again, kindly.

More on this fallacy: Red herring →