Special Pleading

Where a proponent of a position attempts to cite something as an exemption to a generally accepted rule or principle without justifying the exemption.

Example

- I can't stand all these freeloaders getting free money from our socialist government!

- What about your Medicaid and disability payments?

- That's different. I need those.

Famous Examples

Since God doesn't issue commands to Himself, He has no moral duties to fulfill. He is certainly not subject to the same moral obligations and prohibitions that we are. For example, I have no right to take an innocent life. For me to do so would be murder. But God has no such prohibition. He can give and take life as He chooses.

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