Argumentum Ad Lapidem

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   Phil Perezposted 9 years ago

   The fallacy, " that consists in dismissing a statement as absurd without giving proof of its absurdity." as quoted by Wikipedia has gotten me thinking because I usually come across people, namely, my friends who argue that perception is a valid argument to contradict reason. It's been bothering me actually because instead of logically reasoning against my arguments they brush it off by saying, "yeah, but that's your perception of things." It's really frustrating because they cannot come up with any counter argument or find enough reason to refute.
   
   An example of this was something that happened to me last night by one of my friends. She made the claim that I was egotistical, and obviously anyone who has the least bit of intelligence would wonder why, by figuring if that person has enough evidence to support that claim. I, then asked why and she dodged my question several times by saying it was her "perception" and how she "felt." She was worried about judging me and was taking my sensitivity into account when I clearly asked to disregard my feelings and just explain why. I never got my answer. She was able to walk away, unburdening herself from the responsibility of answering.
   
   Does anyone have similar experiences? Moreover, how does anyone feel when someone does this or do you think you do something similar?

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      janesixposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Some people have a hard time articulating their thoughts. I'm one of them. I doubt she really knew "why" she thought what she did.

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         Phil Perezposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Yeah, she seemed confused after telling me I was egotistical. I guess she figured she'd get more support from one of my other friends who might have agreed. But unfortunately they were not able to on account that their argument was the same as hers.
         
         I have a difficult time articulating thoughts sometimes too, but I'm sure you know what you want to say before just blurring out what comes to mind!
         Also she's under 20 so that might be a factor, I'm not sure.

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   wrenchBiscuitposted 9 years ago

   The historical record clearly shows that the majority have never been able to think or reason in a manner that might provide the most accurate explanation of why they feel a particular way, or why their definition of reality often ignores obvious irreconcilable contradictions. I encounter this all the time: online as well as in the flesh. I have come to accept it as an unfortunate fact of life.
   
   But jealousy also plays a role in this. Many who have difficulty grasping certain concepts become threatened when they encounter someone who is more confident; someone who demonstrates a higher understanding, and who can can more clearly articulate, and freely express themselves. But I learned many years ago that it is to my advantage to move toward, and to willingly defer myself to those who are above my station, as common sense should tell us that we can learn more from a wise man than from a simpleton.

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      Phil Perezposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I have to agree, it is unfortunate, and although she may be right claiming I'm egotistical, she ironically proves my point because I become a bit more arrogant when seemingly smart people cannot rebut against or support their claims and/or arguments.
      I mean I should learn to be more modest or humble (whatever you want to call it) but it's difficult knowing that you know more than others and not having the attitude that goes with it.

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         wrenchBiscuitposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I understand completely. But there is no need to be apologetic, or worry what people think of you. An intelligent man  hears your words, and is not threatened by another man's wit, or genius. As the old song goes" God Bless The Child Whose Got His Own". When a man is comfortable with himself, he may be amused, or entertained by another man's bravado, but that is all.
         
         A majority of these hypocrites who champion modesty would turn and run, should  a hungry man in the street ask them for a morsel of bread. Furthermore, if a homeless man came to their house asking for shelter, they would call the police and have him arrested for vagrancy,even if his name was Jesus. Besides, there is a difference between arrogance, and understanding. An arrogant man may truly be intelligent, to a degree, but he will also feel superior to all others. A man who simply acknowledges to himself, or the world, that he is gifted, talented, beautiful, or intelligent , but does not harbor feelings of superiority, is not arrogant at all. He is only stating the facts; which is what Muhammed Ali was famous for. He would often say: " I'm pretty", "I'm the greatest", "I'm the champion". Well, guess what? As far as I'm concerned, he was!

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   Thomas Swanposted 9 years ago

   What an interesting fallacy. I think it can quite easily become `argumentum ad populum' when someone adds that any other person would also find it absurd.

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      Phil Perezposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It is a very interesting fallacy, Thomas! Unfortunately, I experienced it in the way I did not enjoy all that much. Haha.

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