Butatwhatcostism

A logical fallacy and rhetorical diversion where, instead of addressing an argument directly, one tries to invalidate it by fixating on irrelevant consequences or extraneous details. The classic tell is the phrase "But at what cost...?" used to introduce a tangential, often emotionally charged downside that has no bearing on the argument's truth or falsity. It's a cheap way to smuggle in moral panic or false equivalence, shifting the debate from "Is this true?" to "Think of the scary, unrelated thing that might also happen!"

Example: "Proposal: 'We should build a new library.' Butatwhatcostism Reply: 'But at what cost? That money could feed the homeless! Also, libraries spread book dust, which is bad for allergies. Think of the children!' The costs of not having a library and the non-sequitur about dust are irrelevant to the proposal's merit."

by Abzugal January 30, 2026