To represent a thing or situation as considerably more sinister or dangerous than it is when assessed objectively using evidence and balanced evaluation.
The public conversation about assisted dying law reform has been influenced by misinformation from opponents for far too long. Often, misinformation is simply given in ignorance, but sometimes not. It is mandatory that a conversation as important as assisted dying for those suffering at the end of life is informed by accurate information and evidential and reasoned views. Arguments that deceive or attempt to shut down the conversation have no place.
Whether misinformation is Fearmongering, Filibuster, Flip-flop, Flapdoodle, Fudge, or Fiction or Faith, the F files identifies misinformation and those who are providing it.
You can help by sending records of misinformation claims to us, and asking claimants to correct the errors.
Fundamental forms of misinformation
Fearmonger
Represent something as considerably more sinister or dangerous than it is when judged by objective criteria.
Filibuster
Artificial and overly-lengthy process used in an attempt to stall or block a political outcome.
Flip-flop
Multiple inconsistent or opposed arguments used to justify a position.
Flapdoodle
An argument that superficially seems intuitively attractive, true or real, but is in fact meaningless or nonsensical.
Fudge
Unscientific analysis (e.g. selective data) used to support an argument that is not supported by proper, full analysis.
Fiction
A thing that is untrue, or invented or feigned by imagination with no sound or verifiable evidence.
Faith
An argument that all others should adhere to a particular religion's values, tenets and rules.
The Hon. Bob Such's Ending Life With Dignity Bill 2013, before the South Australian Parliament, contains a strong compliment of safeguards, as Neil Francis explains in this video. The refusal of life-saving treatment, to which Australians are entitled but with the same direct and foreseeable consequence as doctor-assisted dying requests, have practically none of these safeguards, yet there has been NO avalanche of inappropriate persuasion to refuse life-saving medical treatment, as the so-called "slippery slope" hypothesis would have us believe.
This is the third of three videos sent to South Australian MPs in 2013.
VideoPosted on Saturday 21st September 2013 at 5:45pm
Opponents of assisted dying law reform often invoke fictional slippery slopes as objections to law reform. In this video, Neil Francis gives three examples of supposed slippery slopes argued by opponents, explains why they are fictional, and shares the perspectives of several recognised experts from the USA state of Oregon about their Death With Dignity law which has been in effect since 1997. Three long-time Oregonian Death With Dignity Act opponents also admit there's no cause-and-effect relationship established between law reform and supposed slippery slopes.
This is the second of three videos sent to South Australian MPs in 2013.
