False criteria fallacy

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Also known as the fallacy of questionable criteria.

This is the application of irrelevant standards to the subject of the argument. It is a basic fallacy of assumption. Instead of backing up a claim with evidence, you shift the burden of proof and demand the critic prove the non-existence of, or illegitimacy of your claim. If they can't, you cite this as evidence of the legitimacy of your own, all the while avoiding any actual evidence to substantiate your position.

Here's a good example involving a spoof on theists using the False Criteria fallacy -- suggesting that God exists because you can't prove otherwise.


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