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'''No true Scotsman''' is a [[logical fallacy]] and a special case of [[circular logic]]. It involves making an assertion and dismissing any counterexamples because they contradict the assertion. Thus, the person making the assertion can refuse to admit that the assertion is [[falsifiable]].
'''No true Scotsman''' is a [[logical fallacy]] and more specifically a special case of [[circular logic]]. It involves making an assertion and dismissing any counterexamples because they contradict the assertion. Thus, the person making the assertion can refuse to admit that the assertion is [[falsifiable]].
The standard example, and the one that gives the fallacy its name, is as follows:
The standard example, and the one that gives the fallacy its name, is as follows:
*"Here is an example of an ''A'' that is not a ''B.''"
*"Here is an example of an ''A'' that is not a ''B.''"
*"Your example cannot actually be an ''A,'' since every ''A'' is a ''B.''"
*"Your example cannot actually be an ''A,'' since every ''A'' is a ''B.''"
The argument thus collapses into a [[tautology]].
The following are real-world examples:
The following are real-world examples:
*"The Soviet Union was not a truly [[Communist]] country, as truly Communist countries would not have been so brutal and repressive."
*"The Soviet Union was not a truly [[Communist]] country, as truly Communist countries would not have been so brutal and repressive."
*"The [[9/11]] terrorists were not true Muslims, as [[Islam]] is a religion of peace."
*"The [[9/11]] terrorists were not true Muslims, as [[Islam]] is a religion of peace."
People employing the fallacy are not necessarily consistent. For example, they may argue that the Soviet Union was a truly Communist country when they find something to like about it, but not when its atrocities and failings are pointed out to them.
The fallacy is not committed when the term has a clear and accepted definition and the example falls outside of that definition. For example, someone saying that no true [[monotheist]] believes in multiple gods does not commit the fallacy, since the clear and accepted definition of a monotheist is someone who believes in only one God.
The fallacy is not committed when the term has a clear and accepted definition and the example falls outside of that definition. For example, someone saying that no true [[monotheist]] believes in multiple gods does not commit the fallacy, since the clear and accepted definition of a monotheist is someone who believes in only one God.