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Dec 18, 2018
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Fallacies Of Reversed Moderation

6 min • 775 words • 355 comments • podcast (7 min)
Scott Alexander describes 'fallacies of reversed moderation,' where moderate positions are misinterpreted as extreme opposites of the consensus view. Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses a pattern he calls 'fallacies of reversed moderation.' This occurs when a popular consensus holds an extreme view (100% X, 0% Y), and when someone suggests a more moderate position (e.g., 90% X, 10% Y), they are accused of holding the opposite extreme view (100% Y, 0% X). He provides several examples of this pattern, including in climate change solutions, nature vs. nurture debates, and AI risk assessment. Scott explains why this pattern might occur and acknowledges its occasional validity, but argues that it's often used incorrectly. He suggests that critics should address the actual argument rather than mischaracterizing it as an extreme position. Shorter summary
Nov 03, 2014
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All In All, Another Brick In The Motte

12 min • 1,543 words • 249 comments
Scott Alexander explains the 'motte and bailey doctrine', a rhetorical fallacy, providing examples and comparing it to the 'weak man fallacy'. Longer summary
This post explains and analyzes the 'motte and bailey doctrine', a rhetorical fallacy popularized by the author. The concept involves making a controversial claim (the bailey) and then retreating to a more defensible position (the motte) when challenged. Scott provides several examples of this fallacy in action, including in religious arguments, feminism, and pseudoscience. He then compares it to the 'weak man fallacy', showing how they are mirror images of each other. The post concludes by advising readers to avoid vague, poorly-defined concepts in debates and instead focus on specific, clear propositions. Shorter summary
Aug 14, 2014
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Beware Isolated Demands For Rigor

20 min • 2,716 words • 183 comments • podcast (21 min)
Scott Alexander explores the concept of 'isolated demands for rigor' across philosophy, politics, and science, criticizing the selective application of rigorous standards. Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses the concept of 'isolated demands for rigor' using various examples. He starts with a philosophical thought experiment about Heraclitus and personal identity, then moves on to discuss how this concept applies in politics, science, and statistics. The post criticizes the selective application of rigorous standards only when it benefits one's argument or position, while ignoring these standards in other cases. Scott ends with a fictional scene featuring pre-Socratic philosophers in a Western setting, illustrating the absurdity of selectively applying philosophical concepts. Shorter summary
May 12, 2014
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Weak Men Are Superweapons

22 min • 2,956 words • 538 comments • podcast (21 min)
Scott Alexander examines how 'weak men' arguments can be weaponized to unfairly discredit entire groups, forcing defensive coalitions and unnecessary conflicts. Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses the concept of 'weak men' arguments and how they can be used as 'superweapons' in debates. He explains how targeting the weakest or most extreme members of a group can unfairly discredit the entire group, even if most members don't share those characteristics. The post explores this dynamic in various contexts, including religion, atheism, feminism, and men's rights movements. Scott argues that this tactic forces people to defend even the worst members of their group, creating unnecessary conflicts and making it difficult for individuals to distance themselves from extreme positions within their broader category. Shorter summary