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Inconsistency

A person commits the fallacy of inconsistency when he or she makes contradictory claims.

Examples:

  1. I'm a strong believer in freedom of speech and think artists should never be censored. However, when musicians like Marilyn Manson influence the youth, you have to draw a line and say no more.
  2. There is no evil in this world. Though evil exists in some parts of the world, we will overcome it sooner or later.
  3. Though basic human liberty is inviolable, a person like Smith has forfeited his right to be a human by committing such a heinous crime. He deserves to be tortured to death.
  4. Of course consenting adults should be able to do whatever they want. We are in a free country. But some things violate the laws of nature, and if people get caught doing those things, we should send them to jail.
  5. I do think you are an adult and can make your own decisions, but deciding whether you want to have a drink is too important and you'll have to wait until you are 21.
  6. I'm all for equal rights for women. I just think a woman's place is in the home.
  7. There are few philosophic truths more certain that this: all claims to truth in the realm of morality are subjective and arbitrary.
  8. Although religious beliefs are the proper object or faith, not reason, it would be hard to deny that some religious beliefs are simply irrational.