From: John Clark (jonkc@worldnet.att.net)
Date: Wed Dec 12 2001 - 22:28:22 MST
Louis Newstrom <newsnewstrom@home.com> Wrote:
> "Ad hominem" is a logical fallicy which is disallowed under most rules of
> debate.
True.
>It says "because my opponent is <insulting characteristic> I won't
> accept his statement".
Also true, but that's quite different from "because of my opponent's statement
he is a <insulting characteristic>. Childish? Perhaps. Rude? Certainly.
Ad hominem? No.
>I think the term "ad hominem" is quite appropriate for the extropians group.
Things should say what they mean, the intent of the rule is don't be rude but that's
not what it says. Personally I think there are times when it's quite appropriate to
be rude, but that's another matter, others including the owners of this list have a
different opinion, and as I am a guest here I will comply with their wishes.
John K Clark jonkc@att.net
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