Need help identifying a type of argument : Philosophy Forums

Need help identifying a type of argument

theedge1
Initiate

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Aug 09, 2008
Total Topics: 1
Total Posts: 2

Posted 08/09/08 - 03:49 PM: Subject: Need help identifying a type of argument	#1
I understand some basics in logic/debate/philosophy. I love logical debates, and often engage in them informally. Recently a person denounced one of my "assumptions", and I was therefore able to make this reply: "It is interesting that in your assumption of my assumption you make yourself guilty of the same thing which you accuse me of." I know that in some way their behavior/response could be identified as "hypocrisy", but I am looking for a better and more specific name than that. Can anyone help? I can think of another example of this behavior. If a non-Christian, for example, states "Christians are SO judgemental.", he is doing the same thing. Again, I agree that technically this is hypocrisy, but there is just more to it than that. Any help???? Thanks.

swstephe
Tenured Poster

Usergroup: Moderators
Joined: Apr 20, 2006
Location: borneo island
Total Topics: 22
Total Posts: 2150

Posted 08/09/08 - 07:45 PM:	#2
That's "tu quoque", which is latin for "I know you are, but what am I", (I paraphrased slightly). It is a fallacy and a bad one, for them. They are admitting that their argument has fallen apart, but trying to dismiss your argument on the same grounds. The logical result is to fall to the default position assuming that neither argument stands, if they are correct. You still have the option of supporting your argument. (I don't think all 'assumptions' are bad, we all assume we exist and the universe exists and that some of our observations about the universe are fairly accurate representations). "Christians are so judgemental" might be "ad hominem", (attacking the person), or maybe even "poisoning the well"), fallacy. Whether they are judgmental doesn't mean they can't make valid arguments. It is also guilty of generalization Try looking around for one of the many lists of fallacies for more information.
Ethics is the measuring of morality. Morality is the measuring of good. Good is the measuring of benefit. Benefit is the measure of values.

theedge1
Initiate

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Aug 09, 2008
Total Topics: 1
Total Posts: 2

Posted 08/11/08 - 05:14 PM:	#3
Thank you, and I will search out the types of fallacy as you suggested.

You don't have permission to post.