A lexical gap

[nancylebov]

I'd really like a word that means "a thing that looks like a logical argument but which actually translates as "you should give what I want because I want it".

Comments

[jodawi.livejournal.com]

self-seeking rationalization - how about 'selser'

[cloudhurler.livejournal.com]

Ignoratio Elenohi -- a fallacy in logic of supposing a point proved or disproved by an argument proving or disproving something not at issue.

Not precisely what you had wanted, but -- I believe -- reasonably close.

[madfilkentist]

As a general category, argument from emotion. I don't know if there's something more specific for what you're describing.

[dcseain.livejournal.com]

Sounds like selfish manipulation.

[kip-w.livejournal.com]

Ulterior logic? Self-interested persiflage? Corroborative detail, intended to add logical reasoning to an otherwise mean and selfish proposition?

from David Bellamy

[(Anonymous)]

How does this differ from just a "con job?"

A lexical gap

[(Anonymous)]

The word you want is "sophistry". A little more formal than a con job. - Kate the puzzlelady.

Re: A lexical gap

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

A sophistry is false, but is it necessarily a disguised territorial claim?