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As you start to list properties that the animal lacks to justify eating them, you begin to realize that some humans also lack those properties, yet we don’t eat those humans. Is this logical proof that killing and eating animals for food is immoral? Don’t put away your steak knife just yet.
In Eat Meat… Or Don’t, we examine the moral arguments for and against eating meat with both philosophical and scientific rigor. This book is not about pushing some ideological agenda; it’s ultimately a book about critical thinking.
* This is for the author's bookstore only. Applies to autographed hardcover, audiobook, and ebook.
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To answer your initial question, I do not think these Ad Hominems are similar. If we didn't know why the witnesses were paid and we just assumed that they were lying because they were paid, this would be the Ad Hominem (Circumstantial) fallacy. The Ad Hominem with the quote would/might be the Ad Hominem (Guilt by Association) . I mentioned that since some of the accusers in a sexual misconduct accusation, were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to give their testimony I think this fact taints their believably. This is a reasonable assumption and a good starting point - start by being skeptical of their sincerity/honesty based on what seems to be an excessive compensation. However, if you were to rule out they are NOT honest because of this, this would be the Ad Hominem (Circumstantial) fallacy. If this is an issue that one cares about, they would be wise to investigate the circumstances around the payments. Is this common in high profile cases? How is the payment justified (if it is)? Are all of the witnesses really getting paid the amounts they are said to be getting paid? Is there collaborating evidence outside of testimony? The point is, skepticism is a good starting point, but rejection of the possibility based on that skepticism alone is fallacious. |
answered on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2017 06:18:00 AM by Bo Bennett, PhD | |
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