Posted by David Stephens on June 19, 1998 at 12:26:14:
In Reply to: Thanks...#2 posted by Jack Harper on June 19, 1998 at 10:13:18:
: Thanks, also, for the clarification. I did not learn argumentum ad hominem in so restrictive a sense.
The definition is not mine, I pulled that definition from a document on logical fallacies.
: But since this is the case I need clarification on your "parenthetical jab." What is its function and when do I use it?
A jab is a jab. Use them whenever you want (though I admit it's not professional, so I try to keep them subtle and limited). Just be sure you're not responding to the argument via an ad hominem attack, nor supporting your argument via ad hominem attack. A great example of ad hominem is a creationist who "refutes" evolution and atheism by claiming Darwin was mentally ill (as in "The Atheist Syndrome" by John Koster).
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