The Ironic Ignorance of the Arrogant

Ad hominem is an often-used rhetorical fallacy. It is an attempt by one side to negate the validity of the opposing side by attacking the individual instead of the topic of discussion. I feel like this is one of the easiest fallacies to recognize. It seems to be a safety net to fall back upon for those that don’t really understand the argument or can’t continue on with it. Even children use this fallacy to a certain extent. Arguments amongst children often end in name-calling and the original problem is forgotten. Sadly, for many, this type of behavior didn’t end with childhood. It may take a more sophisticated form but it is the same. “You’re a stupid-head” and “You are just ignorant.” Are the meanings or purposes behind these phrases all that different? In both instances one side chooses to ignore the actual argument and attack the person instead. I have personally experienced this type of rhetorical fallacy in religious discussions in particular. As I talk about religion with friends that aren’t of our faith, particularly those that have left, the discussion often times shifts to personal attacks. I start to hear phrases such as “You’ve grown up a Mormon in your Utah bubble. You’re closed minded and naïve.” Or maybe they’ll claim “religion is for the weak minded, used as a crutch for those that can’t understand the world.” They are free to believe as they choose, however, these personal attacks are not only generalized and inaccurate, but they are meaningless in the context of one’s personal beliefs.