Ignoring The Question

By: Andrea Rossi & Clara Simpson

Definition
Ignoring the Question: A question that is set up so that the argument is shifted to new ground, or an appeal is made to some emotional attitude having nothing to do with the logic of the case.

Evading the question

Real-life example:
Sarah Palin ignores questions she doesn't like in debate: In another instance, Ifill asked, Governor, please, if you want to respond to what he said about Sen. McCain's comments about health care? "I'd like to respond about the tax increases," Palin replied.

Second Real-life example:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/news-video/video-ford-ignoresquestions-tells-media-to-camp-out-for-response/article12061429/

Unrelated Response
Ignoring a question and answering with an unrelated statement is commonly used as a method to deflect a negative impression of the person questioned. In media, politicians commonly use this method when being interviewed. For example, in an interview, Sarah Palin diverts the topic of the question away from herself and answers with a topic that has some correlation to the question, but for the most part is unrelated. The way in which she uses this fallacy is effective, as she manages to twist the subject into something where she has the upper hand. On the other hand, when mayor Rob Ford is interrogated by paparazzi, he is visibly uncomfortable and tries to change subjects, but the topic in which he attempts to respond with is so non-sequitur that it is completely apparent that he is trying to evade the question, and thus, is ineffective.

Media Cited
"Ford Ignores Questions, Tells Media to 'camp Out' for ResponseAdd to ..." The Globe and Mail. N.p., 22 May 2013. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2552/4068247684_75c58fcbf5_b.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/44/Question_mark_(black_on_white).png

Works Cited
"Sarah Palin Ignores Questions She Doesn't like in Debate." NY Daily News. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.