Three Species of Goulding: Rathering, Piling On, and the Gould Two-Step

Rathering implies an unsupported incompatibility. Piling on bundles claims so rejection of one can appear to reject others. The Gould two-step, in Dennett's usage, attacks a misrepresented position and then presents the opponent's pre-existing qualifications as concessions.

These are Dennett's polemical labels for three ways an argument can appear to establish more than it has. They concern an unsupported incompatibility, a bundled claim whose rejection spreads beyond the disputed part, and a misrepresentation followed by treating an opponent's existing qualifications as a concession.

The portable practice is to preserve claim boundaries. Test whether alternatives really conflict, separate the components of a rejected statement, and compare attributed positions with dated originals. The labels do not establish someone's motives, and the merits of a scientific theory cannot be settled by assigning its advocate a rhetorical category.

When to use it

Use when a debate appears to establish a sweeping refutation through contrast, bundling, or inaccurate attribution.

How it can help

Check compatibility, separate bundled propositions, and compare criticism with the actual position and its chronology.