Using the technical tools of logic in an unhelpful and pedantic manner by focusing on trivial details instead of directly addressing the main issue in dispute. Irrelevant over precision.
Examples:
- _John: Can you please help me push my car to the side of the road until the tow truck comes?
Paul: Why push it to the side of the road? Why not just leave it?
John: It is slowing down traffic unnecessarily where it is .
Paul: Many things slow down..._
Synonyms: quibbling, nit-picking, smokescreen, splitting-hairs, trivial objections