special pleading: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, academic, critical discourse
Quick answer
What does “special pleading” mean?
A logical fallacy where someone applies standards, principles, or rules to others while claiming exemption for themselves or their own case without adequate justification.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A logical fallacy where someone applies standards, principles, or rules to others while claiming exemption for themselves or their own case without adequate justification.
More broadly, any argument that attempts to secure an unwarranted exception or privilege; biased argumentation that seeks different treatment for a particular case without providing sufficient relevant reasons for the differential treatment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally common in philosophical, legal, and political discourse in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally pejorative in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK academic writing, particularly in philosophy and law, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “special pleading” in a Sentence
[Subject] is guilty of special pleading.That argument constitutes special pleading.It's special pleading to [verb phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “special pleading” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is clearly special-pleading for his department's budget.
American English
- The senator special-pleaded for the tariff exemption.
adjective
British English
- It was a special-pleading argument that failed to convince the committee.
American English
- Her special-pleading logic was dismantled in the debate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Critiquing a competitor or colleague who argues for regulatory exemptions that they deny to others.
Academic
Identifying a logical flaw in a philosophical argument or historical analysis.
Everyday
Calling out a friend or family member for applying rules selectively to benefit themselves.
Technical
Formal fallacy identification in logic, law, or ethics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “special pleading”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “special pleading”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “special pleading”
- Using it to mean simply 'a passionate plea' or 'a unique argument.'
- Confusing it with a 'special case,' which can be legitimate.
- Misspelling as 'special pleading'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as a logical fallacy, it is always an error in reasoning. A legitimate exception requires a relevant, justified reason, which would mean it is no longer 'special pleading.'
They are closely related. 'Special pleading' is the *act of arguing* for a double standard in a specific instance. A 'double standard' is the inconsistent principle itself.
Almost never. Its standard use is critical. Using it neutrally (e.g., 'His special pleading was accepted') would be highly unusual and likely misunderstood.
Etymologically, yes. It originates from the legal concept of making a plea in court. The fallacy metaphorically frames bad reasoning as making an unjustified 'plea' for special treatment.
A logical fallacy where someone applies standards, principles, or rules to others while claiming exemption for themselves or their own case without adequate justification.
Special pleading is usually formal, academic, critical discourse in register.
Special pleading: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspeʃ.əl ˈpliː.dɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspeʃ.əl ˈpliː.dɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to plead a special case (related, but not identical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a lawyer (pleading) in court asking for special rules just for their client, while insisting all other cases follow the standard rules.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS A COURTROOM TRIAL; FAIRNESS IS BALANCED SCALES.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of 'special pleading'?