All-Seeing AI

fallacy

Special pleading

Also called: Double standard

Special pleading applies a rule to others but claims an exception for oneself or one's side, without justifying the exception.

How it works

The general principle is kept where it helps and dropped where it hurts. The exception is asserted, not explained by a relevant difference.

Examples

"Leaking documents is a crime, except when our side does it to expose wrongdoing."
If exposing wrongdoing justifies leaks, it would justify the other side's leaks too.
"Everyone should follow the budget limits, but my department's work is too important."
Every department could say the same; no relevant difference is shown.

How to spot it

  • A rule applies to everyone except the speaker's case.
  • The exception rests on importance or identity, not a stated principle.
  • Similar cases are judged differently.

How to respond

  • Ask what relevant difference justifies the exception.
  • Apply the proposed exception consistently and see where it leads.
  • Ask whether the speaker would accept the same exception for opponents.

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