IMO, the odd numbered sentences in the poll are not ad hominem. All the even numbered sentences are.
Since the structured discussion forum gives the OP license to make up to three rules for conduct of the discussion, a 'no ad hominem' rule is often one of those three rules. C_K has guaranteed that the OP's rules will be enforced in this forum, but IMO the ad hominem issue is often poorly understood or not understood at all, and this makes it difficult for the mods to enforce. And I'm sure they are weary of fielding reports of ad hominem that are not ad hominem.
So okay, let's see if we can't clarify and understand what ad hominem actually is.
And obviously, to me anyway, ad hominem is often inadvertent and the person doesn't even realize he/she is engaging in it. But it also is often used in lieu of the direct personal insult to indirectly attack another member and/or intentionally to derail a thread or discussion.
To evaluate whether a statement is or is not ad hominem, all we have to do is ask ourselves this question:
Are we addressing the person's argument? Or are we addressing the character, wishes, hopes, wants, intention, character flaws, attributes etc. of the person in making the argument?
Ad hominem is different from personal insult in that ad hominem suggests motive or intent or assigns attributes to the person. Personal insult directly attacks the person.
Important: Criticizing a person's argument is neither ad hominem or personal insult in itself.
RULES FOR THIS DISCUSSION:
1. No ad hominem or personal insults. (Yes I know this is a weird rule to include for this particular topic. )
2. Stay on topic and if examples of ad hominem or personal insults are posted by members, understand that such are examples only and are not an invitation to discuss whatever other topics are used for the examples. Please appreciate the spirit of this request and don't use it as a means to take shots at other members.
3. Links are not required to participate in this discussion but if you use links to reinforce or support your argument, these must be prefaced by a short summary of the argument you are making in your own words and what we will learn if we use the link.
THE TOPIC TO BE DISCUSSED:
Do you agree with the definition of ad hominem as presented in this OP? Do you agree that ad hominem is used to undermine the person instead of the argument he/she is making and/or to derail the discussion? Do you think most members understand the difference between ad hominem and personal insults?
NOTE: The poll options are for example only and are NOT topics to be discussed other than as examples of ad hominem or why they are not.
Since the structured discussion forum gives the OP license to make up to three rules for conduct of the discussion, a 'no ad hominem' rule is often one of those three rules. C_K has guaranteed that the OP's rules will be enforced in this forum, but IMO the ad hominem issue is often poorly understood or not understood at all, and this makes it difficult for the mods to enforce. And I'm sure they are weary of fielding reports of ad hominem that are not ad hominem.
So okay, let's see if we can't clarify and understand what ad hominem actually is.
Ad hominem (Latin) means “against the man”. As the name suggests, it is a literary term that involves commenting on or against an opponent to undermine him instead of his arguments.
There are cases where consciously or unconsciously people start to question the opponent or his personal association rather than evaluating the soundness and validity of the argument that he presents. These types of arguments are usually mistaken for personal insults but they are somehow different in nature and the distinction is very subtle. . . .
Ad Hominem - Examples and Definition of Ad Hominem
There are cases where consciously or unconsciously people start to question the opponent or his personal association rather than evaluating the soundness and validity of the argument that he presents. These types of arguments are usually mistaken for personal insults but they are somehow different in nature and the distinction is very subtle. . . .
Ad Hominem - Examples and Definition of Ad Hominem
And obviously, to me anyway, ad hominem is often inadvertent and the person doesn't even realize he/she is engaging in it. But it also is often used in lieu of the direct personal insult to indirectly attack another member and/or intentionally to derail a thread or discussion.
To evaluate whether a statement is or is not ad hominem, all we have to do is ask ourselves this question:
Are we addressing the person's argument? Or are we addressing the character, wishes, hopes, wants, intention, character flaws, attributes etc. of the person in making the argument?
Ad hominem is different from personal insult in that ad hominem suggests motive or intent or assigns attributes to the person. Personal insult directly attacks the person.
Important: Criticizing a person's argument is neither ad hominem or personal insult in itself.
Not ad hominem or personal insult: You are wrong that XXX is not important for national security.
Ad hominem: You don't support national security.
Personal insult: You are a peacenik. You are a bleeding heart liberal.
Ad hominem: You don't support national security.
Personal insult: You are a peacenik. You are a bleeding heart liberal.
RULES FOR THIS DISCUSSION:
1. No ad hominem or personal insults. (Yes I know this is a weird rule to include for this particular topic. )
2. Stay on topic and if examples of ad hominem or personal insults are posted by members, understand that such are examples only and are not an invitation to discuss whatever other topics are used for the examples. Please appreciate the spirit of this request and don't use it as a means to take shots at other members.
3. Links are not required to participate in this discussion but if you use links to reinforce or support your argument, these must be prefaced by a short summary of the argument you are making in your own words and what we will learn if we use the link.
THE TOPIC TO BE DISCUSSED:
Do you agree with the definition of ad hominem as presented in this OP? Do you agree that ad hominem is used to undermine the person instead of the argument he/she is making and/or to derail the discussion? Do you think most members understand the difference between ad hominem and personal insults?