Skip to main content

But It Works Fallacy

The definitive ideological shield for systemic injustice. This fallacy argues that any critique of a dominant system (like Capitalism or Liberal Democracy) is invalid because the system "works"—usually defined as generating wealth or maintaining stability for a privileged in-group. It deliberately conflates partial functional utility for some with moral legitimacy and universal benefit. The argument dismisses documented atrocities, exploitation, and existential risks as "unfortunate side-effects" or "necessary costs" of a system whose ultimate success is measured only by its own perpetuation.
Example: Defending the brutal exploitation of the Global South, a pundit says, "Sure, sweatshops are harsh, but they're part of the capitalist engine that lifts nations out of poverty. It works!" This commits the But It Works Fallacy. It uses the macro-level metric of GDP growth to morally justify the micro-level brutality, framing human suffering as a required fuel for a machine whose "working" is judged solely by its own expansion, not by human well-being.
by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 6, 2026
mugGet the But It Works Fallacy mug.

Sunder Fallacy

When a dps warrior does not sunder in world of warcraft classic+, because they assume other warriors will sunder or expose armour is being applied.
"Bro, just cast one sunder first GCD?"

"Nah man, rogues have this!"

.... They did not have this, the Sunder Fallacy.
by TheStrongSilent February 9, 2026
mugGet the Sunder Fallacy mug.

Lying ass nigga fallacy

When someone says something so false without evidence you cant help but just call them out to be a liar.
John: The sun is gray
Froot: Aye! That's a Lying ass nigga fallacy!
by wallacewestern February 11, 2026
mugGet the Lying ass nigga fallacy mug.

SUPER GOKU FALLACY

If super goku opens his mouth for any reason its a auto concession
"Hey man thats a Super Goku fallacy"
by Gigyh I February 13, 2026
mugGet the SUPER GOKU FALLACY mug.

"But it works" Fallacy

The logical error of justifying a dysfunctional system by pointing to its occasional successes, often deployed in defense of late-stage capitalism when someone mentions poverty, inequality, or environmental destruction. The argument goes: "Sure, there are problems, but look at all the iPhones! Look at the economic growth! It works!" This ignores that "works" is doing a lot of heavy lifting—defining success as "some people are very rich" and "you can get Amazon packages in two days" while conveniently overlooking the millions who are struggling, the planet that's burning, and the democracy that's for sale. The "but it works" fallacy is the intellectual equivalent of praising a car because the radio plays, while the engine is on fire and the brakes are failing.
"But it works" Fallacy Example: "When she pointed out that millions of Americans can't afford healthcare, he responded with the 'but it works' fallacy. 'We have the best hospitals in the world!' he said. 'Capitalism works!' He was in the best hospital, ignoring that she couldn't afford to get in. The system was working great—for him. That's kind of the point."
by Dumu The Void February 15, 2026
mugGet the "But it works" Fallacy mug.
The rhetorical move of pretending that capitalism, imperialism, and colonialism are separate phenomena with no meaningful connection, despite overwhelming historical evidence that they evolved together, supported each other, and continue to intertwine. This fallacy argues that sure, colonialism was bad, but that's over now, and capitalism is a different thing, and imperialism is something other countries do. It's like separating a cake into "flour," "sugar," and "eggs" after it's been baked and insisting they were never really connected. Separation by rupture allows people to enjoy the benefits of systems built on exploitation while claiming moral distance from the exploitation itself.
Separation by Rupture Fallacy Example: "The historian explained how British colonialism enabled the Industrial Revolution through resource extraction and forced markets. The commenter responded with separation by rupture: 'Colonialism was bad, but capitalism is just free markets! They're totally different!' The historian sighed, pointed at the cotton in their shirt, the tea in their cup, and the rubber in their shoes—all products of that 'rupture'—and wondered if history class had been canceled."
by Dumu The Void February 15, 2026
mugGet the Separation by Rupture Fallacy mug.
The claim that socialism and communism are outdated ideologies from the 19th century, while capitalism is presented as timeless, natural, and permanently relevant—despite capitalism also being a 19th-century ideology that has changed dramatically over time. This fallacy arbitrarily declares one set of ideas expired while granting another eternal freshness, based on nothing but preference. It's like saying horses are outdated but cars are forever, ignoring that cars will also be obsolete someday, and that the criteria for "outdated" are entirely made up. The arbitrary obsolescence fallacy allows capitalism's defenders to avoid engaging with socialist critiques by simply declaring them old, as if age determined validity rather than, you know, evidence and argument.
*Example: "In the debate, he deployed the arbitrary obsolescence fallacy: 'Socialism is a 19th-century idea that failed everywhere it was tried. Capitalism is modern, dynamic, the future.' She pointed out that capitalism was also a 19th-century idea, that it had also failed many people, and that 'modern' was just a vibe, not an argument. He responded with 'but look at the stock market.' The fallacy held strong."*
by Dumu The Void February 15, 2026
mugGet the Arbitrary Obsolescence Fallacy mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email