Moving the Proofgoalpost

The grand, master technique that combines all the above. It involves continuously and fluidly redefining both the specific evidence required (the proof) and the ultimate objective or standard (the goal) in a coordinated, relentless dance to avoid ever acknowledging a point. It’s the rhetorical equivalent of a shifting maze.

Moving the Proofgoalpost Example: In a debate about historical injustice:
First, they demand documentary archives. When provided, they say the archives are incomplete (moving the proofpost).
They then say the real proofgoal is a firsthand account from a specific leader. When an account is found, they dismiss it as biased (moving the goalproof).
This integrated, evasive strategy is moving the proofgoalpost.

by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

Moving the Logicpost

When, after an opponent successfully engages within a prescribed logical framework, the arguer changes the rules of what constitutes “valid logic.” This can mean switching logical systems (from deductive to inductive), redefining fallacies on the fly, or declaring that a formally valid syllogism is now invalid because it’s “based on a false premise” they previously accepted.

Moving the Logicpost Example:
You use their preferred deductive logic to build a sound argument.
They respond: “Deduction is limited. Real-world problems require fuzzy logic, which your binary reasoning fails. Your point is logically simplistic.”
They’ve moved the logicpost from formal deduction to an amorphous alternative to evade your conclusion.

by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

Moving the Reasonpost

The act of shifting the governing mode of reasoning mid-debate to sidestep a compelling point made within the previous framework. When an opponent effectively uses utilitarian reasoning, for instance, the arguer might suddenly insist that “true reason” must consider long-term existential risks or deontological rules, invalidating the prior calculation.

Moving the Reasonpost Example:
You use data-driven, utilitarian reasoning to support a policy.
They say, “Your short-term numbers are irrelevant. A truly reasonable person would think generationally about cultural precedent. You’re being myopic.”
They’ve moved the reasonpost from quantitative utility to vague, long-term cultural reasoning to avoid your data.

by Dumuabzu February 8, 2026

Moving the Debunkpost

The act of shifting the required standard for debunking after a debunking attempt has met the previous standard. It ensures the core belief remains perpetually "not yet debunked."

Moving the Debunkpost Example:
"Debunk my psychic claim by showing a flaw in this experiment."
You flaw the experiment.
"That was just one protocol. Debunk it by explaining all psychic phenomena throughout history."
They've moved the debunkpost, changing the requirement from a specific test to an impossible historical proof.

by Dumu The Void February 9, 2026

Move the Evidencepost

The act of changing the criteria for what counts as valid evidence after your opponent has already met the previous criteria, ensuring that you never have to concede a point. This debate tactic is beloved by conspiracy theorists, bad-faith arguers, and people who would rather perform mental gymnastics than admit they might be wrong. Moving the evidencepost is like playing a game where you get to redefine the rules after every move, guaranteeing you never lose—and also guaranteeing that no one wants to play with you anymore. The only way to win against someone who moves the evidencepost is to stop playing, which is also the only way to preserve your sanity.

Move the Evidencepost Example: "She provided a peer-reviewed study. He moved the evidencepost, saying peer review was a liberal conspiracy. She provided government data. He said the government lies. She provided photographic evidence. He said photos could be photoshopped. She asked what he would accept. He said 'personal experience.' She realized the evidencepost had moved to a dimension she couldn't reach and ended the conversation. He declared victory."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 15, 2026

Move the Sourcepost

The advanced technique of shifting the standard for what counts as an acceptable source after the initial source has been provided. First, they demand a source. You provide a mainstream news outlet. They say mainstream media is biased. You provide a peer-reviewed study. They say academia is corrupt. You provide government data. They say the government lies. You provide firsthand video evidence. They say it's deepfake. The sourcepost keeps moving because the real demand is not for evidence but for agreement, and no source will ever be acceptable if it contradicts what they already believe. Moving the sourcepost is the debate equivalent of running away while claiming you're still fighting.

Move the Sourcepost Example: "He demanded a source for climate change. She provided NASA data. He moved the sourcepost, saying NASA was part of the government and couldn't be trusted. She provided university research. He said universities were liberal. She provided international scientific consensus. He said scientists were in it for the grants. She asked what source he would accept. He said 'common sense.' The sourcepost had moved beyond the reach of evidence entirely."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 15, 2026