Changes

'''Example:''' Atheist scientist A might present arguments that there is no [[God]]. Opponent C might respond by stating that A is fat and should be able to use science to control his weight.  This would be an example of the ''ad hominem'' fallacy.

'''Example:''' Atheist scientist A might present arguments that there is no [[God]]. Opponent C might respond by stating that A is fat and should be able to use science to control his weight.  This would be an example of the ''ad hominem'' fallacy.

In a special form of ''ad hominem'' that is closely akin to [[special pleading]], a debater attempts to deflect criticism of himself by asserting that his opponent has the identical character flaw. This form is called ''tu quoque'' ([[Latin]], "thou too") or "whataboutism" (as in "What about [my opponent's identical character flaw]?"). The proverbial expression of this fallacy is "It takes one to know one" or "[[The pot calling the kettle black]]"<ref name=Warburton>Nigel Warburton, ''Thinking from A to Z'', 2nd. ed., "Politician's Answer", pp. 103-104. Retrieved April 9, 2007, from [http://www.fallacyfiles.org/tuquoque.html The Fallacy Files]</ref>

In a special form of ''ad hominem'' that is closely akin to [[special pleading]], a debater attempts to deflect criticism of himself by asserting that his opponent has the identical character flaw. This form is called ''tu quoque'' ([[Latin]], "thou too") or "[[Whataboutism]]" (as in "What about [my opponent's identical character flaw]?"). The proverbial expression of this fallacy is "It takes one to know one" or "[[The pot calling the kettle black]]"<ref name=Warburton>Nigel Warburton, ''Thinking from A to Z'', 2nd. ed., "Politician's Answer", pp. 103-104. Retrieved April 9, 2007, from [http://www.fallacyfiles.org/tuquoque.html The Fallacy Files]</ref>

'''Example:''' A [[liberal]] states that people should not vote for the [[Republican Party|Republican]] candidate because he is a racist. A [[conservative]] replies with "well you are also a racist so your argument doesn't count!". In this case, while the liberal may in fact be a racist, this doesn't preclude them from voting against a racist candidate.

'''Example:''' A [[liberal]] states that people should not vote for the [[Republican Party|Republican]] candidate because he is a racist. A [[conservative]] replies with "well you are also a racist so your argument doesn't count!". In this case, while the liberal may in fact be a racist, this doesn't preclude them from voting against a racist candidate.