What Is a You Too Fallacy? Example and Explanation of Tu Quoque

Learn what a you too fallacy (tu quoque) is, with examples explaining how accusing hypocrisy deflects from valid arguments.

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A 'you too' fallacy, also known as 'tu quoque,' occurs when someone dismisses an argument by accusing the other person of hypocrisy. For example, if Person A argues that smoking is unhealthy, and Person B responds, 'You can't say that because you smoke,' Person B is committing a 'you too' fallacy. This deflects from the argument rather than addressing the validity of the claim about smoking.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is a you too fallacy? A you too fallacy, or tu quoque, is a logical fallacy where someone deflects criticism by accusing the other person of hypocrisy instead of addressing the argument.
  2. How does a you too fallacy affect an argument? It undermines rational discussion by shifting focus from the argument's validity to the opponent's behavior, preventing a direct response to the claim.
  3. Can you give an example of a you too fallacy? Yes, if Person A says smoking is unhealthy and Person B replies, 'You smoke too,' Person B commits a you too fallacy by dismissing the argument through accusation of hypocrisy.

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