Moving the Goalposts
Spot the Fallacy Team
Team Content
Moving the goalposts changes the criteria for success after those criteria have been met.
Moving the goalposts changes the criteria for success after those criteria have been met.
Why it is a fallacy
A claim needs evidence that connects the reasons to the conclusion. This fallacy skips that connection or replaces it with a shortcut.
Examples
- You delivered the report, but it needs to be in a different format.
- You met the target, but now the target is higher.
- That evidence isn't enough; show me something else.
How to respond
- Ask for clear criteria before proceeding.
- Document the agreed standard and refer back to it.
- Separate new requests from the original requirement.
Related fallacies
FAQ
Is updating criteria always fallacious?
No, but it is fallacious when done to avoid admitting a point.
How do I handle moving goalposts?
Confirm the criteria in writing and check against it.
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fallacies)
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Logic and Critical Thinking)
- Nizkor Project (Fallacies)