No True Scotsman
Spot the Fallacy Team
Team Content
The no true Scotsman fallacy redefines a group to exclude counterexamples and protect a claim.
The no true Scotsman fallacy redefines a group to exclude counterexamples and protect a claim.
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
- No true fan would ever criticize the team.
- Real professionals never make mistakes.
- No true scientist would disagree with me.
How to respond
- Ask for a clear, consistent definition of the group.
- Point out how the definition changes to avoid evidence.
- Use a counterexample that clearly fits the original definition.
Related fallacies
FAQ
Why is this fallacy persuasive?
It protects identity by excluding inconvenient examples.
How do I respond?
Hold the definition steady and present valid counterexamples.
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fallacies)
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Logic and Critical Thinking)
- Nizkor Project (Fallacies)