From: poteejc@okstate.edu
Date: Mon Oct 14 2002 - 20:46:37 BST
>This is an example of an 'ad hominem' attack. It is against the man and not
>the truth of what is being said by him. The fact that Pirsig was insane or
>that his son was killed or even if he was a card-carrying Nazi has nothing
>whatsoever to do with the truth or falsehood of his ideas. It is logically
>irrelevent.
>
>The logic texts generally just say that 'ad hominem' attacks are logically
>irrelevent.
"Ad hominem" attacks are relevant, if the aspect in question is related to what the person is saying. One would hesitate to let a child molester become a teacher. One would think twice about letting a heroin addict join the vice squad. Ad hominem attacks are only irrelevant went what is being said about the person has no bearing on the topic at hand, ie "James is a dummy head" would be an ad hominem response to this post. But "James, your grasp of logical fallaces is lacking, perhaps you need to review them." is perfectly valid.
still,
james
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