False dichotomies and other fallacies RPGers use

[blargney the second]

This is the internet... fallacies abound!

In the interest of promoting good discussion, I'd like to use this thread to compile a list of common fallacies made by RPGers. The wikipedia link above has the general categories of fallacy people use to try to win arguments. What I'm after is a list of specific ways that RPGers adapt those to their own debates.

I'll start with the one I'm seeing most frequently lately:
1) Optimization vs Roleplay. It's a false dichotomy because one does not preclude the other. It is possible to be a good roleplayer AND a good optimizer.

 

[Insight]

I'll throw in ad hominem attacks, which have got to be the most prevalent on the Internets.

 

[Stormonu]

1) Appeal to Law: You must play by RAW or you are having badwrongfun

2) Appeal to Probability: 3.5 is broken because it can produce Pun-Pun.

3) False Dilemma: You can only play 1E, 2E, 3.5 (or Pathfinder) or 4E, not multiple versions of the game

4) Fallacy of Necessity: You must own and use every rulebook for a system that exists

5) Nirvana Fallacy: Pathfinder is a horrible system because it is compatible with 3.5

...And, in before lock.

 

[blargney the second]

Those are really good, guys!

There's no inherent reason for this thread to get locked. If anything, it could serve as a guide for posters to avoid getting hit with the banhammer.

 

[Crothian]

If anything, it could serve as a guide for posters to avoid getting hit with the banhammer.

While using these will not win a formal debate they aren't against the rules of the boards.

 

[Roger]

The fallacy of "It's something RPG players do, so of course it belongs in General RPG Discussion!"



Cheers,
Roger

 

[blargney the second]

I've seen a variation on the Gambler's Fallacy come up at the table quite frequently: "my d20 rolled a 1 right off the bat, now there are no more 1s in there for the rest of the night!"

 

[NN]

The False false dichotomy. This is when someone argues a conflict doesnt exist, because it isnt a actually a dichotomy, and in certain circumstances the two sides can be reconciled.

 

[redboxrazor]

Is-Ought Problem:
4E's classes are balanced, and they must remain balanced to be fun.

Bare Assertion:
Person A: 4E is the most balanced version of D&D.
Person B: I agree.

Edit: I have no animosity towards 4E. These were simply examples.

 

[Fifth Element]

Appeal to Authority: Gygax said to do it this way, therefore you should do it this way.