Lesson 24: Middle Ground Fallacy

Spot the Faulty Logic #

“My friend says we should study for 4 hours, and my other friend says we shouldn’t study at all. The truth must be in the middle - let’s study for 2 hours.”

Discussion: Talk with your teacher about this example. Is the middle ground always the right answer?

How/Why It’s Often Used #

Compromise feels fair and reasonable. We’re taught to find middle ground and avoid extremes. This is often wise in negotiations and relationships. But when it comes to determining truth or making optimal decisions, the “middle” position isn’t automatically correct just because it’s in the middle.

This fallacy is common in debates where people want to appear balanced and fair. It can also be exploited - if someone takes an extreme position, they can make a less extreme (but still unreasonable) position seem moderate by comparison.

Middle Ground in Action #

Did you spot the faulty logic? #

How much to study should depend on what the material requires and the person’s goals - not on finding a middle point between two friends’ opinions. If 4 hours is actually needed, studying only 2 hours because that’s the “middle” would be inadequate.

Second Example #

“Scientists say the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old. Some people say it’s only 6,000 years old. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.”

The Flaw #

Scientific evidence strongly supports the 4.5 billion year estimate. The existence of a different opinion doesn’t mean truth lies in the middle. Evidence determines what’s true, not averaging different claims.