Retention of Conclusions

A meta-fallacy and meta-bias where one prevents an opponent from reaching any conclusion by constantly accusing them of “jumping to conclusions” whenever they attempt to synthesize evidence or draw an inference. Unlike genuine caution against hasty generalization, retention of conclusions is a rhetorical tactic used to stall discussion indefinitely. The accuser demands an impossible level of certainty—requiring that every possible alternative be ruled out, every source be verified beyond doubt, and every ambiguity be resolved—before any conclusion can be entertained. The effect is to paralyze the opponent, making any forward movement in reasoning seem reckless. This bias weaponizes epistemic humility to avoid ever committing to a position.

Retention of Conclusions Example: “Every time she tried to summarize the evidence, he cried ‘jumping to conclusions!’—retention of conclusions, using the fear of haste to prevent any conclusion at all.”

by Abzugal April 3, 2026

Do you hate the band Dashboard Confessional

Cause it is almost like my other definition wasn’t approved

Do you hate the band Dashboard Confessional

(You know that I am talking to you)

by Zatarain’s Root Beer Drinker February 20, 2021

Not going to jump to conclusions

Already doing it bitch. How's that ear? How many bullet holes do I have in MY ear? I'll give you a hint: The number looks like an "O" and it also looks like a bullet hole, interestingly enough. Better question is: How many mentally retarded billionaires does it take for my theory of AI to work? Another hint? The answer to the second question is the SAME AS THE FIRST! 😃 It's a two-fer!

Hym "Ok. They are not going to jump to conclusions THIS time like they did LAST TIME or like the time that they drone struck a boat... And then claimed it was drug traffickers... And then it WASN'T ACTUALLY DRUG TRAFFICLERS... It was just fishermen... We are going to do that THIS TIME. INSTEAD... We are going to wait to see if it's the 🔫 schizophrenia AGAIN... And then we are going to lie and say it was our political enemies... Even though we know it WASN'T THAT... Ok. I'm ready. I'm ready for the not jumping to conclusions we are about to do.... Ok? Go!"

by Hym Iam October 1, 2025