Special pleading

Informal fallacies → Other informal

Special pleading is when you ask for an exception for yourself or your case without giving a good reason why the usual rule or standard shouldn't apply. You're applying the rule to others but not to you. The fallacy is to claim exemption without a relevant difference that justifies it. The remedy is to ask: what's the relevant difference between your case and others? If there isn't one, the rule should apply to you too.

Examples

  • Everyone else has to show their receipts, but I shouldn't because I'm busy.

  • The deadline applies to everyone except me—my case is different.

  • We should all pay our share—but I've already contributed in other ways.

  • The policy is good for everyone—but our department should be exempt.

  • Lying is wrong—but in my case it was necessary.

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