The No True Scotsman fallacy occurs when someone redefines a group to exclude a counterexample that would otherwise disprove their argument. This fallacy shifts the focus from sound reasoning to redefinition of terms to protect an argument.

For example, "No Scotsman puts sugar on his porridge." When confronted with a counterexample, one might say, "Well, no true Scotsman puts sugar on his porridge." This redefines the group to exclude the counterexample.

Critical thinking involves evaluating arguments based on evidence and logical reasoning, rather than redefining terms to protect an argument. By doing so, we can avoid the No True Scotsman fallacy and maintain a focus on the issues at hand.

See also: Hasty Generalisation

Examples

Business Example: "No real professional would make that mistake."

Academic Example: "No true scholar would support that theory."

Pop-Culture Example: "In TV shows, characters often use the No True Scotsman fallacy to dismiss counterexamples."

Intimate Partner Example: "No true partner would ever forget our anniversary."