PHIL 100W Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Ad Hominem, Pen Register, False Dilemma
7 Jul 2017
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Review of (c5: a/h + appeal to ignorance. Ad hominem is a verbal attack on a person ( the speaker) The speaker means the author of the message. It could be an assertion, argument, speech in genera. Testimony is that which a speaker gives, reliability of which depends wholly or partly on the credibility of the speaker. ( it cannot be separated) Giving testimony is a necessary condition of a legitimate ad hominem. The door here is closed: ( you are outside) it is a testimony. I saw a flying saucer last night ( you are not there) it is a testimony. Dr. j speaking on a topic about which she is an expert. Speaking as an authority, she is by definition, giving testimony. Any appeal to authority is potentially susceptible to legitimate ad hominem attack. Somebody is speaking as authority can use as testimony. No e that safe/ e that is unsafe.
