Tu Quoque Arguments and the Significance of Hypocrisy

Authors

  • Scott F. Aikin Western Kentucky University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22329/il.v28i2.543

Keywords:

Tu Quoque, Hypocrisy, Fallacy, Informal Logic, Argumentation

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.

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Published

2008-06-05

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2008)

Section

Articles

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