What is a 'red herring' fallacy?

A 'red herring' fallacy refers to a distraction that introduces an irrelevant subject, diverting the attention away from the original issue or argument. This technique is commonly used in discussions or debates to mislead or confuse the audience by bringing up unrelated points. The strategic insertion of a red herring serves to derail the argument at hand, making it difficult for the audience to follow the original line of reasoning or to engage meaningfully with the topic being discussed.

The efficacy of a red herring lies in its ability to shift the focus onto something that may provoke an emotional response or a separate line of reasoning, rather than allowing for a clear examination of the pertinent arguments. Recognizing this fallacy is crucial for critical thinking, as it helps individuals remain focused on the main issues in a discussion rather than getting sidetracked by unrelated matters.