I have a question about ad homimen attacks?

Question

Ok, so lets just use the below question as an example,

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgsjoDfSRj5BEMCDpj6XeXnd7BR.?qid=20070305083857AAoab5H

In this question on yahoo answers we see a few answers that attack the person asking the question,

we see someone impying that the asker is a drug user, and someone implying that the asker had low SAT scores.

How is that answering the question of the asker?

Regardless of the drug habits of the asker, in this case the asker is not a drug user, is the question still worthy of a polite respectful answer?

Regardless of the SAT or ACT scores, and level of education of the asker, in this case the asker has a Bachelor of Art's from a Big 10 university, is the question still worthy of a polite and respectful answer?

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If the question itself is phrased disrespectful, perhaps the answer could state that, and the answerer take the high moral ground?

Answer 1

The odd thing is that ad hominems are typically used for debates and arguments and not when answering questions. This would suggest that many of the answerers saw your question as an argument and tried to counter it with a fallacy.

Since obviously many people are more inclined to argue than to answer questions, maybe Yahoo should instate an argument/debate forum? (unless there already is one and I'm missing it).

Answer 2

I did find that interesting.

The drug user comments were just a joke, mostly because your question really didn't make any sense. However, there was certainly nothing in that question from which anyone could judge you personally, and such answers generally miss the point of the question. Though I had no freakin' idea what you were talking about, I attempted to simply answer the question. I think trying to answer the question, rather than the perceived characteristics of the asker is a more useful strategy (though I admit I am not always the best at doing so).

Answer 3

This is a question that should be directed at your Minister of Logic, mayor.

Oh, wait, that's me. :-D

For those of you who do not know, "ad hominem" means "to the person" in Latin. It is the type of argument that is indeed an 'attack'... it's nothing more than an insult. The fallacy of using such an argument is that attacking the person or their character does not refute or address any arguments that they make.
...that, and it's just ethically wrong in debate, formal or otherwise.

Mayor, you are correct. If the question is phrased disrespectful, the responder should not adopt a "two wrongs make a right" stance; they should point out the asker's error politely and ask them to rephrase.

Answer 4

Well, then could you please explain to me WHAT the question was about? It was pretty opaque to me.

I've worked with kids, people with learning disabilities, mental illness, practicing alcoholics and drug users, so I am very adept at making sense of apparent non-sequiturs and uniquely individual grammatical structures. And I am still stumped by what the question is after.

An incomprehensible question isn't worthy of much.

Answer 5

Try reading anything posted by Corporate Kermit within the last 3 days. It's nothing but the same quote harrassing yours truly.

Answer 6

Maybe the question was answered, but you're just to stupid to see that because of your frequent drug usage and low SAT scores.

Answer 7

Bachelor of Arts?


no wonder you have so much time to sit around here and ask questions.


You an Illini by any chance?

Answer 8

Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries. ;)