Suppose A says, "No Scotsman puts sugar in his porridge." B replies, "But my uncle Angus puts sugar in his porridge." A responds, "Your Uncle Angus is no true Scotsman!"
The argument above illustrates something called the No True Scotsman fallacy. It has long interested me. I posted on it in 2005 at the Cadre Comments.
Is it a fallacy or not?
It is a form of circular reasoning that makes the underlying belief unfalsifiable.
The problem arises when one defines a term or a group by some specific trait or belief. When a counter-example is supplied to refute the definition, then the trap is set. Rather than withdrawing or revising the definition, the apologist dismisses the counter-example as a false counter-example. The effect is to make his position unfalsifiable. All counter-examples are explained away. However, the effect is to make the underlying belief look less and less credible and more of a tautology.
I am not convinced this is a new fallacy. I think it is just a clever title for describing an example of circular reasoning. Fallacy or not, it exposes a flaw that can be avoided.
We get into trouble when we overuse labels.
For example, the label "Christian" has become so broad that is becoming less and less meaningful.
Polls supposedly show that something like tw0-thirds to three-quarters of American claim to be Christian. But what exactly does the term Christian mean?
Are the Hutaree Militia truly Christian militia, for example?
It seems to me that the way to avoid this trap is to either to avoid labels, or carefully define them.
In the case of Christianity or Christians, I think it is wiser to talk in terms of the content of the teaching of the Bible rather than resort to descriptions or labels like "true" Christian or "authentic" Christianity.
Rather than saying "no true Christian" would think or do such and such, we should point out how beliefs or behavior is inconsistent with the teaching of Christ.
I know it is easier said than done. I realize it is difficult to avoid labels. Labels are shortcuts, and shortcuts make life easier.
I would be interested in hearing your ideas.