Fallacies in defending bullfighting

False arguments for bullfighting refuted
Pro: Bullfighting forms part of a culture, it is a centuries-old tradition. It is the last remnant of an age-old, non-western culture. Banning this tradition would show disrespect for the non-western element within the Spanish culture.
Contra: All western and non-western cultures contain both positive and destructive traditions. The length of a tradition is no argument for the moral standard.
In the period leading up to the fight, the bull is treated much better than a bull that is bred for slaughter in factory farming.
This is true, but it forms no argument in defence of bullfighting. The fact that even crueller situations exist does not make a particular situation less cruel.
A bullfight is a sign of respect and appreciation for the power of the animal.
Respect and appreciation are not shown through torture.
A bullfight is not viewed as a sport, but rather as a mixture of art, dance and according to fans as the ultimate display of masculinity.
The fact that other aspects can be read into something, does not mean that the aspect of cruelty becomes less cruel.
A bullfight leads to a healing, collective unleashing of negative feelings and agression.
There are less damaging alternatives (such as sports) for such an unleashing, which have nothing to do with suffering in animals.
Bullfights have a religious dimension of the battle between good and evil, whereby the bull signifies evil.
Religious celebrations do not grant the freedom to reduce animals to the status of a symbol.
God created fighting bulls for the purpose of fighting in an arena with a mataor and to die in that manner.
It would be quite pretentious to put words in God's mouth about the purpose of animals.
The special fighting bulls (toros bravos) are bred purely for their prowess in the arena. Abolition of bullfighting would mean extinction of this unique breed of animal.
Animals gain in no way whatsoever if preservation of their breed means that they themselves would be subjected to terrible suffering.
Bullfights form an important part of the Spanish tourist industry.
Many tourists go to a bullfight purely out of curiosity and are mostly upset by what they see. At the end of the day, bullfights are not a good advertisement for the Spanish culture.
Bullfights represent the essence of Spain, which is why they are called Fiesta Nacional. Protests against bullfighting must therefore arise from anti-Spanish sentiments.
It is entirely random to identify Spain with one specific tradition. An increasing number of the Spaniards themselves is against bullfighting so that they cannot be associated with it. This argument may even be reversed: the real lover of Spain, longs for abolition of the National Disgrace as this 'festival' is known by opponents.
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This article is part of a series on fallacies and demagogy

Some arguments used in debate on the topics in the title simply are invalid. That goes for pro and contra.

We selected a few of the most rigid arguments from different situations and placed an appropriate counterargument.

Because a more clear and honest way of reasoning helps improve the circumstances animals live in. Apart from the specific issues there are the types of arguments in general.

Fallacies are deliberately or accidentally used in a debate.

So be aware of the principles and the integrity of an opponent.

How do you respond to fallacies? Six tips

Give the other person the benefit of the doubt. Start by assuming a misunderstanding, not deliberate deception. Even someone who keeps using fallacies may simply be badly informed or emotionally involved.

  • Mind the context. In a friendly conversation a gentle approach works better than in a formal debate. Adapt to your relationship with the other person and to the aim of the conversation.
  • Stay calm. Fallacies are often meant to stir up emotions. Keep your own emotions in check.
  • Identify the fallacy. Try to understand where the reasoning goes wrong. Do this for yourself, not to catch the other person out.
  • Answer the fallacy. Ask clarifying questions or explain why the argument does not convince you. Avoid technical terms.
  • Stay on topic. Bring the conversation back to what it is about and keep it on a rational level.
  • Be prepared. If you know you will talk to someone who often uses fallacies, gather some facts and arguments beforehand.

See also how to respond to animal-unfriendly behaviour of others.

Non-valid arguments (deceptive arguments) for different groups