What logical fallacy involves oversimplifying an argument to refute or misrepresent it?

The straw man fallacy involves misrepresenting someone's argument in order to make it easier to attack. This fallacy occurs when someone takes a complex argument, distills it down to a simpler version, and then knocks down that simplified version instead of addressing the original argument directly. By oversimplifying the argument, the person creating the straw man often exaggerates or distorts the original position, making it appear weaker or more ridiculous than it actually is.

For example, if someone advocates for a nuanced environmental policy, a straw man response could be, "My opponent wants to ban all cars!" This response oversimplifies and misrepresents the original argument, allowing the speaker to refute a position that wasn't actually presented. This technique undermines constructive debate and can lead to misunderstandings about the viewpoints being presented.

The other options do not fit the definition of oversimplifying an argument. The appeal to ignorance involves claiming something is true simply because it hasn't been proven false, false authority refers to relying on someone who lacks credible expertise to support a claim, and ad populum appeals to the popularity of an idea rather than its merits. Therefore, the straw man fallacy is the most accurate representation of oversimplifying an argument to refute or mis