Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by amasad 2202 days ago
> The genetic fallacy (also known as the fallacy of origins or fallacy of virtue) is a fallacy of irrelevance that is based solely on someone's or something's history, origin, or source rather than its current meaning or context. This overlooks any difference to be found in the present situation, typically transferring the positive or negative esteem from the earlier context. In other words, a claim is ignored in favor of attacking or championing its source.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_fallacy

1 comments

Huh? I was merely pointing out some relevant context of the work you cited. Context that people might want to be aware of as they consider its arguments and perspectives.
You're actually breaking the HN guidelines which I suggest you read https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

> Be kind. Don't be snarky. Have curious conversation; don't cross-examine. Comments should get more thoughtful and substantive, not less, as a topic gets more divisive.

> When disagreeing, please reply to the argument

And a few other relevant things.

Posting a quote of a logical fallacy is breaking your own rules. Consider pointing out which rules you think are being broke and why (the “why” being the important part of that sentence).

Note that the genetic fallacy is similar to Godwin’s Law: it specifically doesn’t apply when pointing out a pattern of behaviour.

For example, pointing out that the author of a particular philosophical piece is from a certain school of philosophy is important to people who do not understand the background of philosophical schools.

It’s a form of reality check: would you accept relationship advice from a person who has never had a meaningful relationship?