Tu Quoque Arguments and the Siginificance of Hypocrisy

9 Pages Posted: 11 Sep 2007

See all articles by Scott F. Aikin

Scott F. Aikin

Vanderbilt University - Philosophy Department

Date Written: September 6, 2007

Abstract

Though textbook tu quoque arguments are fallacies of relevance, many versions of arguments from hypocrisy are indirectly relevant to the issue. Some arguments from hypocrisy are challenges to the authority of a speaker on the basis of either her sincerity or competency regarding the issue. Other arguments from hypocrisy purport to be evidence of the impracticability of the opponent's proposals. Further, some versions of hypocrisy charges from impracticability are open to a counter that I will term tu quoque judo.

Keywords: Argumentation, Informal Logic

Suggested Citation

Aikin, Scott F., Tu Quoque Arguments and the Siginificance of Hypocrisy (September 6, 2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1012620 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1012620

Scott F. Aikin (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Philosophy Department ( email )

2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37240
United States

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