Ad Hoc Rationalization
In this fallacy, an explanatory factor, condition, or reason is set forth without validity to counter a specific objection or argument in order to defend one's original assertion, hypothesis, findings, or conclusion.
Example: In the following example, Dr. A uses ad hoc rationalization when questioned by Dr. B:
Dr. A: My paper and pencil test of intelligence is better than any of the others.
Dr. B: But in that recent study, it showed no reliability or validity.
Dr. A: I'm sure they scored it incorrectly.
Dr. B: They brought in 2 other teams to make sure the scoring was done correctly.
Dr. A: The researcher was probably one of my rivals, someone who wanted to do me in.
Dr. B: Actually, it's your best friend who has been your biggest supporter for decades.
Dr. A: Well, no wonder! He had to lean over backwards to make my test look bad so that he wouldn't be accused of favoritism!
In this fallacy, an explanatory factor, condition, or reason is set forth without validity to counter a specific objection or argument in order to defend one's original assertion, hypothesis, findings, or conclusion.
Example: In the following example, Dr. A uses ad hoc rationalization when questioned by Dr. B:
Dr. A: My paper and pencil test of intelligence is better than any of the others.
Dr. B: But in that recent study, it showed no reliability or validity.
Dr. A: I'm sure they scored it incorrectly.
Dr. B: They brought in 2 other teams to make sure the scoring was done correctly.
Dr. A: The researcher was probably one of my rivals, someone who wanted to do me in.
Dr. B: Actually, it's your best friend who has been your biggest supporter for decades.
Dr. A: Well, no wonder! He had to lean over backwards to make my test look bad so that he wouldn't be accused of favoritism!
Using the supernatural to explain events in your life is a failure of the intellect to comprehend the world around you. -The Inquisition