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Fallacy Library Motte and Bailey
Informal fallacy

Motte and Bailey

Retreats to a safer, easier claim when challenged, then returns to the stronger controversial claim once the pressure passes.

Definition

Retreats to a safer, easier claim when challenged, then returns to the stronger controversial claim once the pressure passes.

Example
When challenged on a sweeping claim about censorship, the speaker retreats to the safer claim that moderation exists online, then returns to the sweeping claim later.
Extended explanation

How to think about it:

Retreats to a safer, easier claim when challenged, then returns to the stronger controversial claim once the pressure passes. In practice, the key question is whether the conclusion is supported by evidence and logic, or whether it depends on this reasoning shortcut instead.

Related entries

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