Ad Hominem Tu Quoque

Latest revision as of 09:59, 2 November 2007

Latin Translation: 'Against the man' or 'Against the person' - 'You, too'.

Definition: This common fallacy is executed when a person concludes an argument or claim is false because 1) the argument or claim is inconsistent with the actions of the user 2) or the argument or claim is inconsistent with something else the person has said.

General Information: The inconsistencies of a persons arguments or claims does not make ones particular claims false. Furthermore, the inconsistencies of a persons actions in regards to their arguments or claims are also to be disregarded when assessing the validity of ones particular claim.

Fallacy Structure:

1) Person A makes claim X.

2) Person B asserts that A's actions or past claims are inconsistent with the trust of claim X.

3) Therefore A's claim is false.

Example:

Person A: John MacLennon would make a fine candidate for the board of the CIAA.

Person B: You might be right.

Person A: However, I'm going to vote for Barry Whitehorse.

Person B: John MacLennon couldn't possibly make such a fine candidate for the board if you're not voting for him.

--Raymanbrint 10:42, 16 July 2007 (CDT)