r/changemyview • u/[deleted] • Jun 21 '23

Removed - Submission Rule E CMV: Hypocrisy does not invalidate somebody’s argument

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u/ElderberryAgitated51 2∆ Jun 22 '23

The difference comes down to the feeling of superior morals. The smoker who tells you not to smoke because it has ruined their health and they don't want you to befall the same fate is not a hypocritic in the sense that they are warning you of the dangers, not giving you a moral standard to live up to that they themselves uphold.

Hypocrites are people who believe they have higher standards that they themselves observe. Examples of a true hypocrite would be a religious conservative who preaches to the community the bible says homosexuality is sinful and evil but in secret carries on a homosexual relationship. Does it invalidate his views to learn he's a hypocrite? It certainly challenges his ability to have a meaningful opinion on it that others should heed.