Philosophy
A logical fallacy, in a broad sense, can be viewed as an error of reasoning. A fallacy is committed when a person tries to influence another person to take a particular position, based on flawed logic. Fallacious reasoning restrains people from thinking critically and knowing the truth, hence, making then susceptible to constant manipulation. As such, it is important to have the ability to recognize logical fallacies in the thought processes of other people to avoid making similar mistakes. In this paper, I will focus on one of the 17 logical fallacies that I provided in my initial presentation-argumentum ad hominem. This discussion will concern a time when someone tried to persuade me using this logical fallacy.
Argumentum ad Hominem
Argumentum ad hominem refers to a logical fallacy whereby an individual attacks the argument of another person by launching an attack on the character of the individual. By questioning the character of the other person, the individual fails to appreciate the content or logic of the argument. The remarks generated by ad hominem are classical examples of a logical fallacy since they are not aligned with the central argument. In particular circumstances, however, the arguments produced by ad hominem are necessary and appropriate. For instance, when a person delivers an opinion, and another one questions their credibility, this response may be capable of making the opinion invalid. Below, I will provide my personal experience with this logical fallacy.
I tend to have a very tight schedule filled with everything from studies, work, research, and catching up with friends. As such, I rarely have enough time to engage in activities such as cooking or spending considerable time in the house. Given my tight schedule, I tend to prefer junk foods as opposed to cooking a meal in the house. This preference is not out of need, but rather, out of necessity. I am acutely aware of the numerous health hazards that come with too much consumption of processed foods. In fact, I plan to cut down on junk foods and begin embracing cooked meals. It so happens that a close friend of mine also eats too much junk food. Recently, I told him to cut down on his intake of processed foods to improve his health. Knowing all too well my eating habits, he proceeded to point out that I was also guilty of eating too much junk food.
This case is a classic example of argumentum ad hominem. This form of logical fallacy falls under a sub-category of ad hominem arguments referred to as tu quoque which means “you too”. When I told my friend to reduce his consumption of junk food to improve his health, he responded by pointing out my own eating habits. By doing so, he failed to grasp the primary argument in my statement. My argument was that the overconsumption of junk food poses a significant risk to the health of an individual. This argument has been backed by numerous scientific studies and is, therefore, logical in thought. Therefore, my friend should have focused on assessing the validity of my statement instead of directing his thoughts towards my eating habits.
In conclusion, his response did not work since it was directed towards my character instead of the main argument. Just because I consume copious amounts of junk food does not mean that I will be flawed by pointing out the risks that it poses to the health of an individual. Instead, the focus should be entirely placed on evaluating whether junk foods really do affect the health of a person. The eating habits of the person presenting the argument should not be factored in when delivering responses.
Works Cited
Floridi, Luciano. "Logical fallacies as informational shortcuts." Synthese, vol. 167, no. 2, 2012, pp. 317-325.
