by Faaaaaaaah January 26, 2026
Get the Moving Like Muben mug.The act of shifting the required standard of evidence after some evidence has been provided. When the initial “proofpost” is met or approached, the arguer redefines what constitutes valid proof, invalidating the newly presented evidence without engaging with it.
Moving the Proofpost Example:
“Show me one major economist who agrees with your policy.”
You cite a Nobel laureate.
“Well, he’s old and out of touch. Show me a young, heterodox economist who isn’t part of the establishment.”
They’ve just moved the proofpost to dismiss the fulfilled request.
“Show me one major economist who agrees with your policy.”
You cite a Nobel laureate.
“Well, he’s old and out of touch. Show me a young, heterodox economist who isn’t part of the establishment.”
They’ve just moved the proofpost to dismiss the fulfilled request.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
Get the Moving the Proofpost mug.Related Words
Similar to moving the proofpost, but focused on redefining the ultimate, final piece of evidence needed for total concession. The “proofgoal” is recast as something even more unattainable or different in kind, ensuring the “final proof” can never be reached.
Moving the Proofgoal Example: After being shown multiple eyewitnesses and forensic reports for an event, a skeptic says, “Okay, but my ultimate proofgoal was always a continuous, unedited video from a neutral third party covering every single second. Since that doesn’t exist, I remain unconvinced.” They’ve retroactively moved the finish line to a different planet.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
Get the Moving the Proofgoal mug.A defensive tactic where, when faced with overwhelming evidence that meets the stated standard, the arguer changes the criteria for what makes evidence trustworthy itself. The goal (what’s needed) and the proof (what counts) are both shifted simultaneously in a single, fluid maneuver.
Example:
Example:
Moving the Goalproof Example:
“Show me a reputable media report on that.”
You show a report from the Associated Press.
“The AP is part of the corporate media complex. Their ‘facts’ are compromised. You’d need a leak from a brave whistleblower inside.”
They’ve moved the goalproof—redefining both the source and the nature of acceptable evidence in one move.
“Show me a reputable media report on that.”
You show a report from the Associated Press.
“The AP is part of the corporate media complex. Their ‘facts’ are compromised. You’d need a leak from a brave whistleblower inside.”
They’ve moved the goalproof—redefining both the source and the nature of acceptable evidence in one move.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
Get the Moving the Goalproof mug.The grand, master technique that combines all the above. It involves continuously and fluidly redefining both the specific evidence required (the proof) and the ultimate objective or standard (the goal) in a coordinated, relentless dance to avoid ever acknowledging a point. It’s the rhetorical equivalent of a shifting maze.
Moving the Proofgoalpost Example: In a debate about historical injustice:
First, they demand documentary archives. When provided, they say the archives are incomplete (moving the proofpost).
They then say the real proofgoal is a firsthand account from a specific leader. When an account is found, they dismiss it as biased (moving the goalproof).
This integrated, evasive strategy is moving the proofgoalpost.
First, they demand documentary archives. When provided, they say the archives are incomplete (moving the proofpost).
They then say the real proofgoal is a firsthand account from a specific leader. When an account is found, they dismiss it as biased (moving the goalproof).
This integrated, evasive strategy is moving the proofgoalpost.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
Get the Moving the Proofgoalpost mug.When, after an opponent successfully engages within a prescribed logical framework, the arguer changes the rules of what constitutes “valid logic.” This can mean switching logical systems (from deductive to inductive), redefining fallacies on the fly, or declaring that a formally valid syllogism is now invalid because it’s “based on a false premise” they previously accepted.
Moving the Logicpost Example:
You use their preferred deductive logic to build a sound argument.
They respond: “Deduction is limited. Real-world problems require fuzzy logic, which your binary reasoning fails. Your point is logically simplistic.”
They’ve moved the logicpost from formal deduction to an amorphous alternative to evade your conclusion.
You use their preferred deductive logic to build a sound argument.
They respond: “Deduction is limited. Real-world problems require fuzzy logic, which your binary reasoning fails. Your point is logically simplistic.”
They’ve moved the logicpost from formal deduction to an amorphous alternative to evade your conclusion.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
Get the Moving the Logicpost mug.The act of shifting the governing mode of reasoning mid-debate to sidestep a compelling point made within the previous framework. When an opponent effectively uses utilitarian reasoning, for instance, the arguer might suddenly insist that “true reason” must consider long-term existential risks or deontological rules, invalidating the prior calculation.
Moving the Reasonpost Example:
You use data-driven, utilitarian reasoning to support a policy.
They say, “Your short-term numbers are irrelevant. A truly reasonable person would think generationally about cultural precedent. You’re being myopic.”
They’ve moved the reasonpost from quantitative utility to vague, long-term cultural reasoning to avoid your data.
You use data-driven, utilitarian reasoning to support a policy.
They say, “Your short-term numbers are irrelevant. A truly reasonable person would think generationally about cultural precedent. You’re being myopic.”
They’ve moved the reasonpost from quantitative utility to vague, long-term cultural reasoning to avoid your data.
by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026
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