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Home > Poisoning the well

The origin of this phrase comes from the belief in medieval times that outbreaks of plague were caused by Jews poisoning the water supply. Suggesting that someone was not to be trusted after accusing them of the unrelated crime of poisoning the water was effective rhetoric, but bad logic.

Examples:

Before you listen to my opponent, may I remind you that he has been in jail.

Don't listen to what he says, he's a lawyer.

Poisoning the well is a special case of argumentum ad hominem.

See also: Guilt by association.

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Topics: Poisoning The Well Logical Listen Water Lawyer Medieval Logic...

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PoisoningFor biological toxicity, see toxin and poison. For use of the term in reference to catalysts, see there; For use of the term in reference to fissionable material, see nuclear reactor; If you want more information on poisoning call your local poison contro Poisoning the wellPoisoning the well is a preemptive logical fallacy where unfavorable information about someone is presented to an audience, with the intent of discrediting everything said by that person beforehand. The origin of this phrase comes from the belief in medie Poisoning Pigeons in the ParkPoisoning Pigeons in the Park ( 1959) is a song by Tom Lehrer. It is included on his CD, An Evening Wasted With Tom Lehrer. It is a parody of springtime songs. The song begins: Spring is here, a-spuh-ring is here Life is skittles and life is beer. The poi Poisoning the Well