David Miller wrote: >> Izzy's post fails the ad hominem argument on >> many fronts. She was not speaking to a >> Mormon, but to Lance.
John wrote: > She actually raised the disgusting questions as to > whether one was disobeying her god's command > against sharing the pearls of truth with swine. > In the context, she was clearly referencing Mormons > and only the most blind misses the point. You are missing my point, John. Before I explain my point further, let me point out AGAIN that she was not referencing "Mormons" but rather "hardened Mormons." The term "ad hominem" comes from debate. It refers to a logical fallacy commited by a debate opponent. When two people are debating an issue, one opponent begins to attack the personal character of the person with whom they are debating rather than attacking the arguments made by that person. To those not well exercised in the principles of logic and reason, such a method appeals to their emotions, and they might agree with it for emotional reasons. The person therefore attempts to win the argument based upon emotion rather than reason. My point was that Izzy was not speaking directly to a Mormon member when she made her statement. She was simply extending the thread and bringing in some Biblical perspective to it. Some might disagree with her Biblical perspective, but she has a right to express that in this forum. Furthermore, she should be commended for bringing some Scripture into the discussion rather than given a 24 hour ultimatum to apologize for it. The reason we single out this one logical fallacy of the ad hominem argument over scores of others and make a rule against it is because the ad hominem fallacy is regular practiced on email and it wastes a lot of time. It also causes email exchanges to degenerate into meaningless emotional spats that become very boring for those reading it. The two that get wrapped up in it usually are oblivious to the loss of interest of the rest of the people on the list. If the forum was before a live audience providing visual and audio feedback, they would be alerted sooner to their error by the loss of interest in the audience. Unfortunately, email does not provide this feedback, so the error of the ad hominem argument becomes more detrimental. That is why we have a rule against it. It is not a sin to commit an ad hominem argument. It is simply a rule we have that helps guide the discussion toward reason instead of emotion. Now was Izzy's post insulting to Mormons? Probably so, although I think the phrase "hardened Mormons" softens the blow somewhat because a Mormon might recognize that there are some Mormons who are hardened and some who are not. He might not consider himself to be a "hardened Mormon." Would you have been insulted if Izzy had said "hardened Christians"? I hope not. Nevertheless, regardless of how insulting it is, such is allowed on this forum. Not to allow insulting points would be too restrictive in how a person would be allowed to express themselves. The solution for insults is on the part of the hearer. They need to learn not to take it personally. I hope this help you understand better our rule against the ad hominem argument and our allowance for the expression of disdain for religious sects or even non-member prophets like Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Sun Myung Moon, or David Koresh. I also would like to point out that any effort to make the Mormons feel more comfortable is misguided. They have both participated on this list for a very long time. We have derided their religion, called Joseph Smith a false prophet, insulted their missionaries, etc. time and time again. Getting Izzy to tone down will not facilitate their staying around. I'm sure DaveH would rather have Izzy around making her comments than for us to moderate the list in such a way that Izzy feels too constrained to participate. If some feel that they can better get through to the Mormons through more tactful means of expression, they are free to engage that method on this list. We need to practice toleration toward all list members and not just our favorites. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "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.
