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A motte is a stone keep on a raised earthwork common in early medieval fortifications. More pertinently, it's an element in a rhetorical move called a "Motte-and-Bailey", originally identified by philosopher Nicholas Shackel. It describes the tendency in discourse for people to move from a controversial but high value claim to a defensible but less exciting one upon any resistance to the former. He likens this to the medieval fortification, where a desirable land (the bailey) is abandoned when in danger for the more easily defended motte. In Shackel's words, "The Motte represents the defensible but undesired propositions to which one retreats when hard pressed." On The Motte, always attempt to remain inside your defensible territory, even if you are not being pressed.
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As a recently confirmed Catholic who was baptized Methodist, I appreciate this thread for the questions it raises and all your thoughtful responses.
Thank you.
This is so obviously it in so many of these cases.
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As a recently confirmed Catholic who was baptized Methodist, I appreciate this thread for the questions it raises and all your thoughtful responses.
Thank you.
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