Special Pleading for Dummies
noun
pronunciation: 'spɛʃəl_'plidɪŋWhat does Special Pleading really mean?
Special Pleading is a phrase that is often used in discussions and arguments to point out when someone is making exceptions or special excuses for themselves or for a certain situation. Imagine you are playing a game with your friends, and one of your friends keeps changing the rules whenever it doesn't go in their favor. They might say things like, "Oh, that rule doesn't apply to me because I'm special" or "I should get an extra turn because I'm having a bad day."
In a similar way, special pleading happens when someone is trying to defend their position or actions by claiming that they are somehow different or unique, and therefore the normal rules or standards should not apply to them. It's like when someone asks you to do something, but then they don't want to do it themselves and say, "Well, that's different for me because I have other things to do."
Special pleading is a logical fallacy because it is not consistent or fair. It's like trying to have your cake and eat it too – wanting to be treated differently while everyone else sticks to the established rules. It can weaken someone's argument because it shows that they are not being consistent or objective in their thinking.
This phrase can also be used in a legal context. For example, in court, if someone is accused of a crime and they try to argue that they should not be held accountable because they have a special circumstance or a unique condition, that would be an example of special pleading. It's like saying, "The rules of the law should not apply to me because I have a special reason why I shouldn't be punished."
In summary, special pleading is when someone tries to make themselves an exception to a rule or standard, often because they want to avoid the consequences of their actions or defend their position in an argument. It is not a fair or logical way of thinking because it goes against consistency and fairness. So, next time you hear someone making special excuses or exceptions for themselves, you can recognize it as special pleading!
In a similar way, special pleading happens when someone is trying to defend their position or actions by claiming that they are somehow different or unique, and therefore the normal rules or standards should not apply to them. It's like when someone asks you to do something, but then they don't want to do it themselves and say, "Well, that's different for me because I have other things to do."
Special pleading is a logical fallacy because it is not consistent or fair. It's like trying to have your cake and eat it too – wanting to be treated differently while everyone else sticks to the established rules. It can weaken someone's argument because it shows that they are not being consistent or objective in their thinking.
This phrase can also be used in a legal context. For example, in court, if someone is accused of a crime and they try to argue that they should not be held accountable because they have a special circumstance or a unique condition, that would be an example of special pleading. It's like saying, "The rules of the law should not apply to me because I have a special reason why I shouldn't be punished."
In summary, special pleading is when someone tries to make themselves an exception to a rule or standard, often because they want to avoid the consequences of their actions or defend their position in an argument. It is not a fair or logical way of thinking because it goes against consistency and fairness. So, next time you hear someone making special excuses or exceptions for themselves, you can recognize it as special pleading!
Revised and Fact checked by Emma Williams on 2023-10-28 19:43:44
Special Pleading In a sentece
Learn how to use Special Pleading inside a sentece
- Imagine a student forgot to turn in their homework, but when the teacher asks for it, they say they can't because they were too busy with other assignments. This is an example of special pleading as they are using their busy schedule as an excuse.
- Suppose a person is caught speeding and they tell the police officer that they were rushing to the hospital because their mother is sick. This is special pleading, as they are using their mother's illness to justify their actions.
- In a soccer match, a player commits a foul but argues with the referee that it was unintentional and he should not be penalized. This is special pleading, as the player is trying to make an exception for his behavior.
- During a game of chess, a player realizes they made a mistake and asks for a do-over claiming they weren't paying attention. This is special pleading, as the player is trying to plead for special treatment based on their lack of focus.
- Imagine a student fails a test and blames it on the difficult questions rather than accepting responsibility for not studying. This is special pleading, as the student is making an excuse for their poor performance.
Special Pleading Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.
Special Pleading Category
The domain category to which the original word belongs.