Tu quoque Argument
Tu quoque Argument
classification : informal – red herring – two wrongs make a right
attempts to discredit the opponent’s position by asserting his failure to act consistently in accordance with that position; it attempts to show that a criticism or objection applies equally to the person making it.
Foundations
It is considered an ad hominem argument, since it focuses on the party itself, rather than its positions. In many cases tu quoque arguments are used in a logically fallacious way, to draw a conclusion which is not supported by the premises of the argument.
Examples
He cannot accuse me of libel because he was just successfully sued for libel.
You say aircraft are able to fly because of the laws of physics, but this is false because twenty years ago you also said aircraft fly because of magic.
Other Names
Pot calling the kettle black
© 2009, jhslee. All rights reserved.
