Definition of a word

[Daniel Quinn]

What if you call them a moron in the context of their expressed opinions.

Please note a moron is defined by the dictionary as someone with a low iq.

[Lurcher300b]

It is certainly not attacking the substance of the argument to call someone a fat arsehole during a discussion on hi-fi.

Indeed, but you are falling into the false dichotomy fallacy by suggesting that there are only two ways someone could be called a fat arsehole in an argument, by suggesting that if its not relevant to the discussion then a priori it is an ad hominem. It may be, but it also may just be an insult.

[Lurcher300b]

What if you call them a moron in the context of their expressed opinions.

Please note a moron is defined by the dictionary as someone with a low iq.

There is of course no reason why someone with a low iq could not have a logically consistent argument, so calling them a moron in and of itself may or may not be directed at their argument.

To add an example:

"Your argument is incorrect because you are a moron" is ad hominem

"your argument is incorrect, and you are a moron" is not.

[Lindsayt]

We have different definitions of what's ad hominem, Lurcher300b. That's OK. It's no big deal.
For me, the second part of the following sentence is ad hominem:
"your argument is incorrect, and you are a moron"

[Lurcher300b]

That's OK. It's no big deal.

But if you extend that to all other words, communication becomes impossible.

“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.” “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.” “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master—that’s all.”

[karatestu]

Well i for one am happy to leave the decision of what is ad hom to the moderators and for them to act accordingly.

Who are they now ? Lindsay T, Terry, Savy ?

[savvypaul]

Well i for one am happy to leave the decision of what is ad hom to the moderators and for them to act accordingly.

Each case on it's own merits...

Who are they now ? Lindsay T, Terry, Savy ?

Yes

[karatestu]

Well i for one am happy to leave the decision of what is ad hom to the moderators and for them to act accordingly.

Each case on it's own merits...

Who are they now ? Lindsay T, Terry, Savy ?

Yes

Thumbs up

[Daniel Quinn]

The point is calling someone a moron if true can not be ad adhomien. (*if the term is used in the psychological sense)

Truth necessarily trumps ad hom

You are a moron is exactly the same as you are male.

[joe]

Well, if we're talking about word definitions, there's actually no such word as 'homien'.