Middle ground
Also called: Argument to moderation
Assuming the truth must lie halfway between two positions.
How to spot it
Is “somewhere in the middle” offered without checking either side?
Example
“One says the bridge is safe and one says it will collapse, so it's half safe.”
How to answer it
Truth isn't an average. Look at the evidence for each side.
Related
- False balance: Giving two positions equal space when the evidence strongly favours one.
- False dilemma: Presenting two options as if they were the only ones.