scientific end of evolution theory (2)

Accusations of hypocrisy are fairly personal and probably not in accord with the Forum Guidelines. Perhaps you could refer to the opposition's position as contradictory?--------------------EvC Forum Administrator

The preference here is that discussion focus on the arguments rather than the people making the arguments. This is a good dissection:

Mark writes:

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Using one strict standard as a criteria in an attempt to weaken your opponents argument, & then completely ignore it to strengthen your own argument, is hypocritical.

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But another interpretation is that this is simply a clever and commonly used debating device. Calling attention to uses of this fallacy is often sufficient.--------------------EvC Forum Administrator

Mark writes:

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You will note my last post uses "contradictory standards", so at the very least, I'm towing the line.

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These responses are offered as clarification, not criticism.

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Also, the entire point of my argument with Peter B is that he is using this fallacy, so in this case calling attention to it isn't sufficient!

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This often happens, and you are understandably trying to break out of the "reply contains fallacy", "point out fallacy", "next reply contains same fallacy" loop. But just as you cannot push on a string, neither is there any way to force someone to accept that his approach is fallacious, which is not a very satisfying situation here where the more aggressive approaches are discouraged, thereby removing an emotionally satisfying though often unproductive avenue.In formal adjudicated debate you would have the satisfaction of piling up debate points and likely winning the debate if the particular issue was key, but here, if attempts to discourage use of the fallacy are ineffective then one can only point it out each time it appears.--------------------EvC Forum Administrator