ThinkCritical.eu · Manipulation atlas
Flawed argumentsFalse consensus
“I think we all agree…” – agreement is assumed before anyone has said what they think.
The speaker announces that “we all agree” before anyone has said a word. Anyone who disagrees would then have to go against the whole group – so they stay quiet.
The club chair at a meeting: “I think we all agree that we'll cancel this year's trip. So that's decided, let's move on.” Nobody had a chance to speak.
How to spot it
- “I think we all agree…”, “I'm sure nobody sees it differently”.
- The decision is made before everyone has had their say.
- Silence is taken as agreement.
How to check and what to do
- Ask for everyone to give their view – out loud, in writing or anonymously.
- Ask: “What is the weakest part of this proposal?”
- Insist on a real vote, or minutes showing who agreed to what.
Full explanation and exercises:
thinkcritical.eu/en/manipulation-atlas/false-consensus