Policy on Possible Ad Hominem Attacks

For the first time since our founding in 1994, we have had to face the issue of a possible ad hominem attack within our pages. Richard Morrock, Vice President of the International Psychohistorical Association (IPA) and a regular contributor to IPA psychohistorical panels and the Journal of Psychohistory, recently responded to George Victor’s “Playing God” which appeared in our last issue. (March, 2000, Vol. 6, No. 4). Upon receiving a copy of Morrock’s letter, Victor called, stating that he interpreted Morrock’s letter as an ad hominem attack on Toland and himself. We decided to temporarily put aside the merits of the particular letter, and ask our Editorial Board if we should publish possible ad hominem attacks. Six different policy options were raised, ranging from publishing everything to outright rejection of any possible ad hominem attack.