Red Herring

Red Herring Definition

A red herring is a logical fallacy. A fallacy is an error of some kind.

A red herring fallacy is specifically an informal logical fallacy, which means that its fallacy lies not in the structure of the logic (which would be a formal logical fallacy), but rather in something else about the argument.

Although red herrings are irrelevant ideas, they are not random. They often share something in common with the topic at hand, which adds to the deception.

Red Herring Argument

Here’s a simple example of how someone can use a red herring to derail an argument.

Notice that this is not a silly or random counterpoint. It bears some resemblance to the argument at hand, but it is different enough that it circumvents the main argument. This red herring diverts the argument away from its resolution.

Fig. 1 - Don't let someone distract you with a red herring.

Red herrings frequently contain emphatic language and truisms, both of which are hard to ignore. In this example, “Safety is something we all want” is a truism, because it says something obviously true that adds nothing to an argument.

Red herrings also frequently end in a question or turn, in order to push the false line of reasoning. In our example, Person B ends with, “Let’s work this out. What is ‘safety’?” This is strong language to dissuade Person A from pursuing the initial argument.

Red Herring Logical Fallacy

It should be easy to guess how the red herring is a fallacy. The red herring is a logical fallacy because it does not work toward an argument’s resolution. In fact, it works toward a stalemate: toward a return to the status quo.

A red herring is not a well-meaning but misguided attempt to get to the bottom of something by looking at a topic from a different angle. The argument that a red herring starts is not a worthwhile argument to have: it is pointless or unanswerable, and ultimately shifts the conversation away from its original subject.

Logic demands answers. Red herrings distract from logic, and thus they are a logical fallacy.

Red Herring Example (Essay)

Let’s look at how a red herring can be employed in an essay. This will be a good way to demonstrate what not to do in your own essay, as well as help you identify red herrings in future readings.

Speaking of bluster, what was the point of this paragraph again? Oh, that’s right, to distract the reader from Woolworth’s arguments, and to discuss the Code of Hammurabi instead. Of course, in trademark red herring fashion, the Code of Hammurabi has no bearing on a 20th century legal argument.

Tips to Avoid Writing Red Herrings

Outline your essay. In that outline, connect all your arguments back to your thesis. Red herrings crop up when you are wrong or ill-prepared. So, be prepared! Make sure your evidence is accurate, and your thesis is provable from the get-go.

Don’t get distracted or sidetracked. For instance, if you are writing an essay about how to curb urban sprawl, which includes the over-expansion of fast food restaurants, don’t get sidetracked by fast food health arguments. Consider, is this really proving my point, or is this a rabbit hole?

Fig. 2 - Construct a smart argument, and keep to it.

Finally, don’t be deceptive. Your essay should have nothing to hide. If you are trying to hide a weak argument, or avoid a strong argument, you are probably guilty of a logical fallacy. Stay logical.

Red Herring Expression

Logical fallacies are widely known and referenced in popular culture. Sometimes, this can result in a fallacy being widely misused (e.g., begging the question). However, the expression “red herring” is often very similar to the logical fallacy. In the common vernacular, a red herring is anything that distracts you from the goal.

That said, do understand that most people who use the expression will not have a formal understanding of the rhetorical fallacy. When absorbing evidence for an essay, and you see someone use the term “red herring,” double-check the application of the expression to be sure the fallacy is properly identified.