Question

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alex

What fallacy is this?

I've noticed people I know to use arguments as follows near the end of a debate that's very infuriating: 

Person 1.Truth itself is subjective.

Person 2. Doesn't that Self Refute itself?

Person 1. I meant Maybe Truth is Subjective

Person 2. Just because something is "maybe" true doesn't mean its true

Person 1 Yes neither one of us can prove or disprove this statement.

Person 2 So how do you both believe the claim and then say its unprovable or disprovable

Person 1 I'm not asserting its true just saying Maybe.

 

asked on Saturday, Sep 25, 2021 05:33:48 PM by alex

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account no longer exists writes:

Not a fallacy, but the debate tactic known as the Waffle. The Eggo Gambit.

posted on Sunday, Sep 26, 2021 04:27:40 AM
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Shawn writes:
[To Prof M]

I agree with Prof M, this is waffling. I would add lazy thinking. Regarding those who keep saying that "truth is subjective and there is no way we can know it," I ask how can one have a real conversation with them on anything? Every single statement you make would be responded with, "oh, that is subjective and cannot be proven or disproven." On a practical level, does anyone really believe such an assertion? If so, how do they function in daily life?  

[ login to reply ] posted on Sunday, Sep 26, 2021 08:21:03 AM
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alex writes:
[To Shawn]

I agree I find it very common though in an argument about anything. Its like a last stand to prevent looking defeated. 

[ login to reply ] posted on Sunday, Sep 26, 2021 09:12:59 AM

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Answers

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alex
2

I don't think there is any fallacy as such, but simply obfuscation and obscurantism on the part of both people, where Person 1 is the trigger, and Person 2 is the recoil after the shot.

(This practise is colloquially known as word-wanking).

answered on Saturday, Sep 25, 2021 05:58:40 PM by alex

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Dr. Richard
1

It could, I suppose, fit under Fallacy of the Stolen Concept, but waffling fits best.

answered on Sunday, Sep 26, 2021 12:06:02 PM by Dr. Richard

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Kostas Oikonomou
1

This reminds me of hedging  
answered on Sunday, Sep 26, 2021 11:19:00 AM by Kostas Oikonomou

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TrappedPrior (RotE)
1

"Truth itself is subjective".

The person needs to elaborate on this statement. However, they also went back on their claim later on, so I don't think they want to pursue that stronger claim anymore.

 

answered on Saturday, Sep 25, 2021 09:19:50 PM by TrappedPrior (RotE)

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