Tu quoque: You Too?!? - Logic Series | Academy 4 Social Change

Tu quoque: Lesson Plan

Topic

Tu quoque is a type of ad hominem argument in which one discredits a pos ition by asserting that the proponent has acted contradictory to their stated positi on. Also called an appeal to hypocrisy or whataboutism, it shifts the focus away from the argument and onto the speaker. Tu quoque is a logical fallacy since it fails to interact with and investigate the validity of criticism and claims.

Possible subjects/classes Time needed

English, Sociology, Psychology, 30-45 minutes Politics/Government

Video link: https://academy4sc.org/topic/tu-quoque-you-too/

Objective: What will students know/be able to do at the end of class?

Students will be able to... ● Define tu quoque. ● Explain how to spot a tu quoque argument. ● List specific methods to protect against and avoid using tu quoque arguments.

Key Concepts & Vocabulary

Hypocrisy, Logical fallacy, Ad hominem

Materials Needed

Worksheet, Paper, Student internet access

Before you watch

Turn & Talk: In an argument, does the identity of the person putting forth a belief matter? Do their persona, personal integrity, or known beliefs influence how their arguments are perceived? Explain your reasoning Tu quoque: You Too?!? - Logic Series | Academy 4 Social Change

While you watch

1. What does a tuo quoque argument do instead of investigating the truth of the original argument? 2. Name a popular variant of the tu quoque logical fallacy. 3. What can hypocrisy sometimes signal?

After you watch/discussion questions

1. Do you find tu quoque arguments to be an effective debate tactic? Why or why not? 2. Why do you think tu quoque arguments are commonly used? Are there places, situations, or fields where they appear more frequently than others? Why do you think this is the case? 3. Does one’s behavior affect the truth of their statements? Can someone strongly hold a particular position yet act contradictory to it? Why or why not?

Activity Ideas

● Research with a partner or small group specific examples of whataboutism from the Cold War era. Find two or three examples. Then explain how each one commits a logical fallacy, and propose a way the speaker could rectify their claim so that it no longer is fallacious. Share answers with the cla ss. ● Imagine a specific scenario in which you discover someone you trust has behaved hypocritically (i.e., your parents, who always caution you against underage drinking, used to drink regularly as teens). Using what you know about tu quoque, write two to three paragraphs about what you should do in response to this discovery. Be sure to explain the actions you decide to take. ● Individually complete the Worksheet. Then review answers as a class.

Sources/places to learn more

1. Agassi, Joseph. “Rationality and the tu quoque argument.” Inquiry: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy , vol 16, issue 1-4, 1973 , pp. 395-406. Doi: 10.1080/00201747308601691. 2. Aikin, Scott F. “Tu Quoque Arguments and the Significance of Hypocrisy.” SSRN, Sept 2007. Doi: 10.2139/ssrn.1012620. 3. Parker, Richard A. “Tu quoque Arguments: A Rhetorical Perspective.” The Journal of the American Forensic Association , vol 20, issue 3, 1984. Doi: 10.1080/00028533.1984.11951257. Tu quoque: You Too?!? - Logic Series | Academy 4 Social Change

4. Van Eemeren, Frans H. & Peter Houtlosser. “More about Fallacies as Derailments of Strategic Maneuvering: The Case of Tu Quoque.” OSSA Conference Archive, 2003, 93. https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/ossaarchive/OSSA5/papersandcommentaries/9 3.