What tactic involves misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack?

The tactic that involves misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack is known as "Attacking a Straw Man." This strategy entails distorting or oversimplifying an opponent's position to create a version that is easier to refute or criticize. Essentially, instead of engaging with the strongest version of the argument, the attacker constructs a "straw man" version that can easily be knocked down, thereby giving the appearance of a victory in the debate without genuinely addressing the original argument. This method is often used in debates and discussions to mislead audiences and win arguments without substantiating one's own claims or engaging with the actual content of the opposition's viewpoint.

Understanding this concept is crucial in critical thinking and discourse analysis, as recognizing when someone is using this tactic can help individuals better analyze arguments and avoid being misled in discussions.