Re: [UC] Fwd: A.Word.A.Day--ad hominem

[Glenn moyer]

Ad Hominem- Attacking an opponent personally instead of answering the argument.   Paul,   I finally agree with Craig about something (glory hallelujah).  I think it's vital for citizens of a democratic society to understand basic fallacies of logic and the tricks used "instead" of reasoning, data, explanation, etc.  These destructive techniques only gain power because too many people fail to recognize these and reject the unsupported policies of those who use these methods of manipulation.    Additionally, the short attention span in our entertainment focused, sound bite driven society, provides the important opening for the rise of ad hominem, straw man, red herring fallacies, etc. (The individuals, who correctly support their positions with data and reasoned explanation, are routinely called boring policy wonks or "processaholics" to silence them.) This simple ignorance of logic among the population is the real threat to American democracy, and an empowered citizenry; not illiterate peasants being slaughtered in foreign lands or neighbors who aren't cleaner and safer.     It's very important that people understand that ad hominem is used as a SUBSTITUTION, "instead of answering the argument."  Our neighbors can think back and see how routinely the ad hominem technique has developed in our neighborhood for many years.  But, this also occurred in gentrified neighborhoods throughout the country!  It's not a conspiracy theorist (a usual ad hominem distraction) who can recognize that techniques to abuse power have "trickled up" to the national stage.  In short, we now get the horrifying performances in Washington because the ruthless powerbrokers have been studying districts like ours, and they understand how few people understand ethical principles and the rules of logic, at this point in time. (They know they can hide their agendas with ad hominem, straw man, red herring!)          Example:  For years, I've been publicly challenging our civic associations to transparently allow inclusion of all community voices in all community issues.  Of course, the leaders of groups like FOCP can't justify exclusion of all stakeholders and secrecy, when they cut deals with UCD to redesign and dominate Clark Park!  This list has watched me dogedly pursue the local issues and processes, while FOCP leaders always avoid a supported argument by making attacks of one sort or another.  (Has FOCP ever been held accountable for the use of ad hominem by their leaders and asked to logically justify exclusion and closed committees?  Has anyone held award winning real estate agents accountable for attacking Al Krigman instead of advancing credible arguments in support of BID?)     When neighbors understand the titilating ad hominem and straw man attacks, they must ask; "what is the actual justification or argument advanced by FOCP leaders?  "Put your money where your mouth is" is the type of sound bite they always offer after the personal attacks.  But too many people misunderstand the use of ad hominem and see it as some "personality conflict" or a "pissing contest."  (Those who understand logical fallacies, understand that the democrats and republicans are putting on a choreographed show over health care reform, designed around manipulating the ignorant.  Neither can justify their corporate policies so they distract the uneducated with the bag full of ridiculous tricks and "personality conflicts."      If people recognize that those in power do not offer an argument or justification of their position, when they attack the person; people will see the fallacy and reject the unsupported position outright!  The political shows in Washington and Spruce hill will look a lot different if people actually study the logical fallacies!   Question of the day:  If people can't understand the use of ad hominem to silence their neighbors, why would they expect an honest open discussion in Washington with evidence based support?   Thanks, Glenn -----Original Message----- From: pmuyeh...@aol.com Sent: Feb 25, 2010 8:03 AM To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: [UC] Fwd: A.Word.A.Day--ad hominem  Wordsmith.org The Magic of Words  Feb 25, 2010 This week's theme Latin terms in English This week's words locum ex cathedra de jure ad hominem Roll the dice Get a random word from A.Word.A.Day archives Discuss Feedback RSS/XML A.Word.A.Day with Anu Garg ad hominem PRONUNCIATION: (ad HO-mi-nuhm, HOM-uh-nuhm)) MEANING: adverb, adjective: Appealing to one's prejudices, emotions, or other personal considerations rather than to intellect or reason. Attacking an opponent personally instead of answering the argument. ETYMOLOGY: From Latin, literally "to the person". USAGE: "The New Israel Fund backers unleashed ad hominem attacks against the student group." Anne Herzberg; Hey, NIF! Criticism is a Democratic Right; The Jerusalem Post (Israel); Feb 3, 2010. Explore "ad hominem" in the Visual Thesaurus. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Men rarely (if ever) managed to dream up a god superior to themselves. Most gods have the manners and morals of a spoiled child. -Robert A. Heinlein, science-fiction author (1907-1988) Sponsored by: Orijinz is getting rave reviews! "I've been playing the word game Orijinz ..lot of fun" -Jim Horne, NY Times Try Orijinz, the word game getting stellar reviews. Only $14.95. Save 70%! Great Courses by Top US Professors The most engaging professors from America's top universities in your home. How to sponsor? 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