SPECIAL PLEADING Meaning and
Definition
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Special pleading is a fallacy in persuasive arguments where one selectively applies certain principles or rules to suit their own desired outcome, while ignoring or dismissing those same principles when they counter their position. It involves making a unique or exceptional case for oneself or a group, typically without any justifiable reason or evidence. Special pleading disregards the requirement of consistent and fair application of principles or rules.
In special pleading, someone will often claim entitlement to different treatment or exceptions based on personal circumstances or group affiliation, without establishing a valid reason why they should be treated differently. This fallacy is frequently used as a means to avoid providing adequate evidence or justification for one's position while simultaneously demanding acceptance or approval. It relies on emotional manipulation, attempting to evoke sympathy or understanding rather than relying on logical reasoning.
Special pleading is often employed in debates or discussions where someone attempts to create a double standard, requesting immunity from the normal rules or standards expected of others. It can manifest in various contexts, such as legal arguments, philosophical debates, or interpersonal disagreements. This fallacy undermines the principle of fairness and equal treatment, ultimately weakening the persuasiveness of the argument by relying on arbitrary exemptions or exceptions that lack logical basis.
Common Misspellings for SPECIAL PLEADING
- apecial pleading
- zpecial pleading
- xpecial pleading
- dpecial pleading
- epecial pleading
- wpecial pleading
- soecial pleading
- slecial pleading
- s-ecial pleading
- s0ecial pleading
- spwcial pleading
- spscial pleading
- spdcial pleading
- sprcial pleading
- sp4cial pleading
- sp3cial pleading
- spexial pleading
- spevial pleading
- spefial pleading
Etymology of SPECIAL PLEADING
The term "special pleading" originates from the field of debate and rhetoric. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin words "specialis" and "pleadere".
In Latin, "specialis" means "unique" or "particular", while "pleadere" means "to argue" or "to make a case". These Latin roots of the word indicate that it refers to the act of making a specific or particular argument.
The concept of special pleading emerged as a logical fallacy, where someone presents a seemingly valid argument while deliberately exempting it from standard principles or rules that would ordinarily apply. The idea behind this fallacy is that by granting special exceptions or privileges to one's argument, they can manipulate or undermine the opposing viewpoints.
Over time, "special pleading" has become a widely used term beyond the realm of rhetoric and debate.
Similar spelling words for SPECIAL PLEADING
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