To mott is to use the motte-and-bailey fallacy in an argument.
The motte-and-bailey fallacy (named after the motte-and-bailey castle) is a form of argument where an arguer conflates two positions that share similarities, one modest and easy to defend (the "motte") and one much more controversial (the "bailey").The arguer advances the controversial position, but when challenged, they insist that they are only advancing the more modest position. Upon retreating to the motte, the arguer can claim that the bailey has not been refuted (because the critic refused to attack the motte) or that the critic is unreasonable (by equating an attack on the bailey with an attack on the motte).
The motte-and-bailey fallacy (named after the motte-and-bailey castle) is a form of argument where an arguer conflates two positions that share similarities, one modest and easy to defend (the "motte") and one much more controversial (the "bailey").The arguer advances the controversial position, but when challenged, they insist that they are only advancing the more modest position. Upon retreating to the motte, the arguer can claim that the bailey has not been refuted (because the critic refused to attack the motte) or that the critic is unreasonable (by equating an attack on the bailey with an attack on the motte).
A: Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from the consequences of that speech.
B: That's not true. If there is a consequence to any action, that action is not free.
A: Well, I am free to call you a cunt, and the consequences are that you can insult me back. Ipso facto, free speech with consequences.
B. Insulting you would be a consequent, not a consequence. Consequences are consequents of consequence. Your conflating the two is motting.
B: That's not true. If there is a consequence to any action, that action is not free.
A: Well, I am free to call you a cunt, and the consequences are that you can insult me back. Ipso facto, free speech with consequences.
B. Insulting you would be a consequent, not a consequence. Consequences are consequents of consequence. Your conflating the two is motting.
by Redbeard Edward November 26, 2021
Get the Motting mug.by Wassup Late Talkers August 21, 2022
Get the MOTS mug.person 1 writes: "dostoevsky believes that without having someone to follow, people are doomed to suffering because they desire a purpose. But if we can find assuredness within ourselves and free ourselves of the misconception that usefulness and what you can provide to others = worth, then maybe we can find try happiness with the freedom we've been given.
mots: fuck capitalism"
person 2 writes: "uhh amen bruh i guess"
mots: fuck capitalism"
person 2 writes: "uhh amen bruh i guess"
by dysphoriaslayer666 August 31, 2022
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by MrTotoSLayer January 14, 2022
Get the Mot mug.a play on the French "bon-mot," which translates roughly to "precious little bit," but referring to quotes from bots that are funny only to humans.
by prufrock5150 November 22, 2022
Get the bot-mot mug.Short for Marching On Together, a chant for English football club Leeds United. Usually used as a hashtag.
by 2amAndIAmStillAwake January 26, 2022
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