Debunking Tactics Exercises

Warning: these exercises may cause excessive eye-rolling, head-scratching, and spontaneous outbursts of "that's not how it works, you numpty!"

Exercise 1: Debunking the "But I'm right" Fallacy

Present a friend with a ridiculous claim, such as "I'm a descendant of a talking pineapple." Have them defend their claim with an increasingly absurd series of justifications, each one more outlandish than the last.

Debunking the 'But I'm Right' Fallacy

Exercise 2: Debunking the "I'm just asking questions" TechniqueDebunking the Scope Creep This exercise is simple: have a friend explain to you that a project "just needs to do with a little more work." As they explain how their idea will only take a few more hours to complete, and that it's "just a little extra work," point out the scope creep in their argument. Have them defend their position, and then... well, just keep pointing out the scope creep until they realize the absurdity of their position. Oh, and don't forget to wear your thinking cap for this one, friend. It's a real brain-twister!