Mormon Stories Podcast

1562: Mormonism and Logical Fallacies Pt. 1 - w/ John Larsen

14 snips
Mar 15, 2022
John Larsen, writer and commentator on Mormonism and critical thought, presents an extended look at logical fallacies in Mormon discourse. Short, punchy segments explore brains and bias, ad hominem and straw man tactics, burden of proof, circular reasoning, redefinition of terms, and tribal feelings masquerading as spiritual authority.
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INSIGHT

Beware Moving Definitions To Avoid Disproof

  • No True Scotsman narrows definitions mid-argument to exclude counterexamples.
  • Larsen: defining 'true Mormon' or reclassifying members prevents falsification by shifting boundaries.
INSIGHT

Popularity And Good Works Don’t Prove Truth

  • Popularity is not proof; appeal to majority is specious.
  • Larsen: growth, good works, or votes at conference don't establish doctrinal truth—other large religions show the same disconnect.
INSIGHT

Don't Build Doctrines On Unproven Abstractions

  • Reification treats abstractions as real, letting conclusions assume their own premises.
  • Larsen: claims about God, prophets, or feelings as divine are reified without establishing those entities first.
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