Visual infographic and fallacy summary: Loaded Question
Definition & Logical Concept
You ask a question that has a presumption built into it, so that any direct answer (yes/no) makes the respondent look guilty.
Practical Debate Example
Speaker A: „I'd like to ask your opinion on the budget.“
Speaker B (Fallacy): „Can you answer us this instead: Have you finally stopped cheating on your spouse and stealing from the family account?“
How to Counter & Defend
Challenge the presumption: 'This question contains a false accusation. I have never cheated or stolen, so it cannot be answered yes or no.'
Common Synonyms & Alternative Terms
loaded question • plurium interrogationum • logical fallacy • debate manipulation
Psychological Mechanism: Why It Works
Past v otázce donutí oběť reagovat na nesmyslnou volbu ano/ne místo toho, aby zpochybnila podlý předpoklad.
Common Debate Scenarios
- encountering loaded question in debate
- when someone says "Can you answer us this instead: Have you finally stopped che..."
Easily Confused With
Informal logical fallacy