Tu quoque

As Tu quoque argument (Latin tu quoque, you also ') is the argumentative test referred to reject an opposing position by comparison with the opposing behavior. It can be understood as a variant of the argumentum ad hominem and is particularly against moral judgments or rules used.

The defense at the Nuremberg trials used the argument (see above section " Tu quoque argument ").

Analysis

When tu quoque is the moral authority to establish a claim or regulation challenged in accordance with the principle that a behavior or a view that someone approves in themselves or others, are generally still blamed by this either in individual cases, in others or rejected allowed. In a second step, it is claimed that the assertion is false, since it was submitted in error, or must at least be withdrawn and may not be used in the course of argumentation.

This second step of the tu quoque argument is a logical fallacy in general, since only from the lack of moral entitlement to a claim or assertion does not follow its falsity. But the moral justification can not be effectively challenged when, to whom the argument is countered by changed his mind or his behavior for good reason, or can make an exception be made. The argumentation is particularly suitable to undermine the moral authority. A tu quoque argument is therefore all the more effective the more the opponent has presented as morally superior.

However, a tu quoque can be appropriate when it comes to the justification of a requirement, in that it is only private law founded. So may be permissible under German law, a tu quoque argument against claims of the other Contracting Party, if it has failed to comply with a contract. Because of the imposing mutual linking performance and reward the contract infidelity of one party affect their liabilities under the contract. Under international law, the tu quoque argument plays a significant role in relation to the prevailing principle of reciprocity. Anders - even in the face of the central state power - the situation generally in public law, including criminal law, so there is about a right to equal treatment in the wrong.