Chris wrote: > An ad hominem argument is one where the presenter > is addressed rather than the message. > Joe: 1 + 1 = 3!!!!!!!! > John: Joe is an idiot. > THAT is ad hominem. > If John responded with the mathematical theorem that > exposes the error of Joe's statement and thereby reveals > Joe to be erroneous in a very simple truth AND CLOSES > with, "Joe is an idiot", then it is no longer an ad > hominem. > If the message is addressed AND the presenter is also > exposed/addressed therein then THAT is NOT ad hominem.
Hi Chris. Thank you for raising this topic. What you have presented is a valid argument PLUS an ad hominem argument. Even if a post gives the logic that proves a point, that does not give the presenter a license to attack the person. So, I disagree with your assessment above. If the man proves mathematically that 1 + 1 does not equal three, he still should not say, "you are an idiot." Such does not promote discussion, nor does it lead the person who is in error to say, "oh, you are right and I was wrong. Thanks for pointing that out." Don't you think it is enough to prove the error and let people make up their own minds about who is right and who is wrong? Also, the word "idiot" is not being used technically right in this case. Sometimes people are not idiots and yet make mistakes like this in a post. The word "idiot" communicates more than the fact that the person is wrong. It communicates the idea that the person does not have the intellectual capacity for understanding any corrections given to him. So what do you think about my comments? Are we able to come to agreement about this? Do you understand how using epithets like "you idiot" only stirs the person up to defending himself and his reputation rather? I would prefer that we see ourselves in the pursuit of truth together as a team, and that we work together to help one another cast off false ideas and false notions so that in the end, truth shines bright. It is kind of like working a car over with a rag, finding every blemish, cleaning it off, and polishing every area to make the car shine. If we work together as a team, we will get more done quickly, but if we are fighting with each other, telling each other how stupid the other person is, the work might just grind to a halt. Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
