Special pleading
Also called: Double standard
Applying a rule to everyone else but exempting yourself without a good reason.
How to spot it
Is there a rule that quietly stops applying to the person who stated it?
Example
“Rules matter, but my case is different.”
How to answer it
Ask what makes this case different, and whether that would also excuse others.
Related
- Tu quoque: Dismissing a criticism by pointing out that the critic does the same thing.
- No true Scotsman: Protecting a claim by redefining the group so counterexamples don't count.