What is the term for arguing against a misrepresented version of someone’s argument, rather than their actual position?

The term for arguing against a misrepresented version of someone’s argument, rather than their actual position, is "attacking a straw man." This technique involves creating a distorted or oversimplified version of an opponent's argument, making it easier to refute. For example, if Person A has a nuanced view on a complex issue and Person B reduces that view to an extreme position, Person B is then attacking a straw man because they are not addressing the actual argument that Person A made.

This strategy is considered fallacious because it misrepresents the opponent's standpoint, ultimately leading to faulty conclusions or arguments based on this inaccurate depiction. Identifying and understanding this tactic is essential for engaging in clear and fair discourse and for evaluating the strength of arguments in debates or discussions.