There’s a trend I’ve seen recently where folks will make ridiculous or offensive arguments, and then say “I’m just playing devil’s advocate” as if that means something. Devil’s advocacy is not a license to make ridiculous, incoherent, or illogical arguments. Advocating for the devil means taking a position opposite your usual one. You are still bound by all the same rules of debate and logic, to make a coherent argument. And if all the arguments you find yourself coming up with ...
