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Ad hominem: Literally "to the person." Perhaps
thinking of cave men will help you remember; HOMINID -HOMINEM.
Keep in mind that one must focus on the argument that is being
given. They should not attack the person giving it. |
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- Basic
logic requires that an argument stands or falls on the merits of
the argument, not the person giving it. The ad hominem attack is
the fallacy of attacking the person instead of the argument.
- The
person presenting an argument is attacked instead of the argument
itself. This takes many forms. For example, the person's character,
nationality or religion may be attacked. Alternatively, it may
be pointed out that a person stands to gain from a favorable outcome.
Or, finally, a person may be attacked by association, or by the
company he keeps.
- (1) ad hominem (abusive): instead of attacking an assertion,
the argument attacks the person who made the assertion.
- (2) ad hominem (circumstantial): instead of attacking
assertion
the author points to the relationship between the person making
the assertion and the person's circumstances.
- (3) ad hominem (tu quoque): this form of attack on the person
notes that a person does not practice what he preaches.
- (i) You may argue that God doesn't exist, but you are just following
a fad. (ad hominem abusive)
- (ii) We should discount what Premier Klein says about taxation
because he won't be hurt by the increase. (ad hominem circumstantial)
- (iii) We should disregard Share B.C.'s argument because they
are being funded by the logging industry. (ad hominem circumstantial)
- (iv) You say I shouldn't drink, but you haven't been sober for
more than a year. (ad hominem tu quoque)
- Identify the attack and show that the character or circumstances
of the person has nothing to do with the truth or falsity of the
proposition being defended.
: Not all ad hominem attacks
are fallacious. The exception is when the testimony of an individual
is suspect because of their bad character.
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