Posted by Amanda on December 30, 1996 at 03:49:46:
In Reply to: Plausible deniability and special pleading posted by Jason on December 27, 1996 at 20:06:42:
This is what I've found in an old text book on "the special pleading fallacy" but I've found nothing on plausible deniability...
"The double standard fallacy operates by changing the descriptive system used from one case to another in order to invoke two different sets of values or judgements and to get the hearer to respond differently in two similar situations. A typical example concerns the corporate executive who lectures to the Rotary Club luncheon on one day about the evils of government intervention in free enterprise. The next day he vigorously lobbies for governement legislation to protect his products from "unfair" competition by foreign manufacturers, conveniently sidestepping the fact that American consumers will pay more for his products than for the foreign-made ones if the government grants his demands. What is sauce for the goose is definitely not sauce for the gander in the fallacy of the double standard, also known to logicians as the fallacy of special pleading.
A story concerning a small town preacher illustrates how the double standard attitude can backfire. He harangued the congregation with "...and I say to you, if any man in this room has committed adultery, his tongue shall cleave to the woof of his mowf!"
Man, that's funny!
That's from a book entitled "Brain Power" by Karl Albrecht and though I've only read bits and pieces I do remember enjoying it - this bit of research has renewed my interest in the subject so I think I'll take a look at it again.
There's no doubt another term for plausible deniability - I'll check around.
Now, you don't happen to know where I can make a comic book do you? I had this brilliant idea for a mini-series when I was at the grocery store. To make it relevant to this soceity - I'm skeptical that there is a place.