Phil Osophy's definitions

attribute smuggling

An attempt to suggest or imply the attributes of one thing are relevant to a different thing by suggesting those two things are related or equivalent. Usually by means of suggesting using a word meaning the former for the latter. This results in the psychological effect of suggesting any and all attributes of the former should or could be relevant to the latter when this is not warranted.

"No, I won't let you call the universe a god. That suggests the universe has agency and intention. That's attribute smuggling."

by Phil Osophy June 6, 2025