Logic and the Message: Difference between revisions

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=Ad hominem=
=Ad hominem=


The following ad hominem argument (and many variations of it) have been presented on numerous occasions by message ministers:
"Ad hominem" in Latin literally means ''‘to the person’''.  It is an attack not against the position that the person holds but against the person themselves
 
Here is an example of an ad hominem argument that was presented by a message minister:


::“''you watch, its these carnal, spiritual babies, that couldn’t get the pastor to do what they wanted, it’s them that’s out there attacking the word of the hour. Don’t you lend an ear to that garbage!''”  
::“''you watch, its these carnal, spiritual babies, that couldn’t get the pastor to do what they wanted, it’s them that’s out there attacking the word of the hour. Don’t you lend an ear to that garbage!''”  


Attempts to counter an opponent’s claims by attacking the character, motives, or other attributes of those on the other side of an argument or position, rather than addressing the argument itself, is referred to as an ad hominem attack (Latin for "to the man" or "to the person").
An ad hominem attack attempts to counter an opponent’s claims by attacking the character, motives, or other attributes of those on the other side of an argument or position, rather than addressing the argument itself.


Not only is this a logical fallacy that addresses none of the issues that have been raised, but it also lumps all ex-message believers into a narrow, negative stereotype that is, by its very generality, reckless, irresponsible, and false.
The example above not only fails to address any of the issues that have been raised, but it also lumps all ex-message believers into a narrow, negative stereotype that is, by its very generality, reckless, irresponsible, and false.


=Equivocation=
=Equivocation=