OK, Duncan, I give up. This is my last post to your silly ramblings.
I grant you that it is difficult at times to distinguish between an ad hominem argument and a legitimate challenge to, say, the credentials of a person who holds himself up as an expert and superior to others in both knowledge and morals (e.g. Petronius, the arbiter elegantarium for Nero).
Consider, for example, whether the following falls into the former or latter category: "I know Northwestern Law School grads, and, believe me, you're no Northwestern Law School grad!"? Is that an example of an ad hominem, or a legitimate challenge to questionable credentials? I'm eager to hear your reply. How about this one: "The only way that guy could have gained admission to Northwestern Law School is if they had an Affirmative Action program for guys whose last name ends in a state! Is it ad hominem, or is it legit? I'd say ad hominem, for what it's worth.
I'll leave you with two thoughts from Freud to consider as you ponder your response.
1) No one...who shares a delusion ever recognizes it as such.
2) Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. |
