Moral Equivalence

The Fallacy

Comparing minor misdeeds with major atrocities, suggesting that they are equally bad.

Why it's wrong

This fallacy minimizes the severity of serious ethical violations or exaggerates minor infractions to draw a false parallel. It erodes the ability to make nuanced ethical judgments by flattening the moral landscape.

Example

When criticized for embezzling millions from the charity, the executive retorted, 'Well, you took a pen from the office last week, so we're really both just thieves.'

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