Lesson 21: Tu Quoque

Spot the Faulty Logic #

Parent: “You really should read more instead of watching so much TV.” Child: “But you watch TV every night after dinner! You’re being hypocritical!”

Discussion: Talk with your teacher about this example. Does the parent’s TV watching change whether the advice is good?

How/Why It’s Often Used #

When we’re criticized, it’s uncomfortable. A quick way to shift attention away from ourselves is to point out that the person criticizing us isn’t perfect either. It feels satisfying to call someone a hypocrite, and it can derail the conversation away from our own behavior.

Tu Quoque is extremely common in arguments between siblings, friends, and in public debates. It’s essentially saying, “You can’t criticize me because you’re not perfect!”

Tu Quoque in Action #

Did you spot the faulty logic? #

The parent watching TV doesn’t change whether reading is valuable. The child is avoiding the actual question (should they read more?) by attacking the messenger instead of addressing the message.

Second Example #

“You can’t tell me to eat healthier - I’ve seen you eat pizza!”

The Flaw #

Someone eating pizza occasionally doesn’t invalidate good nutritional advice. The focus should be on whether eating healthier is good advice, not on whether the advisor is perfect.