Greetings, everyone! I’ve been a little behind of late in getting diaries out of late, I returned officially to work last week after a month off due to major surgery and found that while I very much enjoyed being back with the students and my coworkers, I’ve been sore and tired at the end of the day and haven’t had much energy left for writing much.
But hey, I’m writing this one now, so let’s get on with it. Let’s take a look at special pleading!
Special pleading is a fallacy where the arguer claims an exemption from facts, logic, or their own previously stated positions without adequate justification for it. Those committing this fallacy often make these special exceptions for themselves or those close to them.
You can think of the argument in this way:
If X, then Y. Except if hurts my position/argument.
This is related to “moving the goalposts.”
Let’s make this a little more clear with some examples:
“I think all drunk drivers should go to prison, but your honor, my son is a good boy and going to prison will ruin is life and so he should get probation instead!”
“I hate it when people cut in line.” Later: “Yes, I cut in line, but I’m in a hurry!”
These examples both demand an exception to a position or generally accepted rule (not cutting in line, for example), with justifications that demand an exception to that rules or norms that the arguer would likely not allow for others.
Another common example: psychics. When tested in controlled circumstances or otherwise caught with their vaunted powers lacking, they often come up with a justification for it. “My powers only work if you believe!,” that sort of thing.
The point of special pleading is that the person making the exception is demanding, with inadequate evidence or little justification, that their assertion is correct despite it contradicting fact or contradicting accepted rules or norms — or their own previously stated positions on issues.
The best defense against this one is calling it out when it happens, of course. And we need to be on guard for this one in ourselves, as well, and if called out for this sort of thinking, stop and examine your position. Are you really committing this fallacy? If so, consider why and modify your position or argument accordingly so as to no longer be in that position.
Until next time, folks!
Logical Fallacies Bootcamp:
Appeal to Personal Incredulity
Cognitive Bias Bootcamp: