When I taught English Composition, one of the central topics was the use of logical fallacies. We discussed many of them, why they are illogical, why to avoid them in argumentative essays, and how to recognize them. The United States national election occurs on November 6, in two weeks. At that time, while we don’t elect a President, all of the House of Representatives, many Senators and many local officials including Governors are up for election. In the spirit of the times, I am taking a bit to explain logical fallacies. I hope that at least you can yell the fallacy back at the television instead of vaguely wondering why you are so bothered by the ad.
The “ad hominem” fallacy runs rampant throughout the current American political scene. It’s so ubiquitous that many of us may have overlooked its failure to address the question at hand. We all practiced the fallacy in grade school when we called one another “stupid poo-poo heads” when we didn’t agree with them, particularly around rules for board games that were allowing them to win. The attack on the person, the translation of the Latin phrase, substituted then and now for a rational reason for disagreeing. “He’s an idiot.”(Not “I strongly disagree with his economic policy and would prefer(here insert an opposing idea.”) This is challenging because you actually have to think rather than just name call.
Pay attention to the next five tweets from the President of the United States or the politician of your choice. See if you can identify any “ad hominem” arguments. Don’t worry. You won’t have to stay up past your bed time to find them!
Saved By Words 
Name calling and bullying are not acceptable on the playground. Why should they be ok from a “bully pulpit?” Hmmmm
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They aren’t, but we are getting too used to them here.
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Yes. Unfortunately we become immune to things we have too much exposure to.
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I wrote on that again today.
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And the fact that we are all getting so used to hearing these logical fallicies that we don’t think beyond them is the saddest part of all. It takes a lot of reps for something to become a habit, but I do believe we have gotten there…
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I think so. I don’t know if they are even being taught any more in school.
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Good luck on your choice candidates.
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Thanks.
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Funny how they have a rule in the Senate, that you can’t talk disparengingly about another senator, yet there are no rules for present politicians, or those running for offices. I get nauseous when voting times come around.
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They would be put in the corner or made to write something 500 times on the blackboard if they said those things when I was in school!
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Wish I can help you with this one. Not reading any politics about USA. Good luck.
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Smart move. I would ignore it if I could, but I live with the consequences.
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Your thoughts are well expressed here, Elizabeth. I don’t usually comment on anything political, especially in a foreign country, but your commentary is accurate and reasonable.
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I try to make my comments general rather than aimed at any particular person. Thanks for recognizing that.
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Oh this is a good one, Elizabeth!
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Thanks.
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Most welcome 🙂
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Succinctly and astutely explained – why many of us find politics so frustrating (and depressing)these days. It’s the same in NZ currently in party politics although to be fair, our current PM oozes integrity and has reset the bar higher.
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That would be a welcome relief here. Our president is unbelievable.
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