An ad hominem is a kind of logical fallacy. It consists of trying to discredit a person's argument by trying to discredit the person. It isn't the same thing at all as simply insulting the person.
By way of illustration, lets say that I go completely insane, and become a supporter of young earth creationism. I continue to contribute to atheist forums.org from my bed in the psychiatric ward; my posts are deeply unhinged.
2 possible responses:
1. Caeacilian is certifiably insane. That makes his arguments in favour of yec wrong.
2. Caecilian's arguments for yec are wrong because of x, y, and z. And btw, Caecilian, you're a fucking fruitbat.
The first response is an ad hominem. Its fallacious to say that my creationist views are wrong because I'm insane. The second response is not an ad hominem- its just an insult.
Strictly speaking, I don't think that either Adrian or TFS have used ad hominems. But they have been trading insults. Which isn't very productive.
By way of illustration, lets say that I go completely insane, and become a supporter of young earth creationism. I continue to contribute to atheist forums.org from my bed in the psychiatric ward; my posts are deeply unhinged.
2 possible responses:
1. Caeacilian is certifiably insane. That makes his arguments in favour of yec wrong.
2. Caecilian's arguments for yec are wrong because of x, y, and z. And btw, Caecilian, you're a fucking fruitbat.
The first response is an ad hominem. Its fallacious to say that my creationist views are wrong because I'm insane. The second response is not an ad hominem- its just an insult.
Strictly speaking, I don't think that either Adrian or TFS have used ad hominems. But they have been trading insults. Which isn't very productive.
He who desires to worship God must harbor no childish illusions about the matter but bravely renounce his liberty and humanity.
Mikhail Bakunin
A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything
Friedrich Nietzsche
Mikhail Bakunin
A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything
Friedrich Nietzsche
