Ad hominem:
| Definition | Example |
| When the person is attacked instead of the argument. | What would you know about economics? You filed for bankruptcy last year! |
| Notes | |
| “Ad hominem” means “to the individual”, and is often used as either a distraction from the main argument, or as a hostile emotional release against an opponent. This does not invalidate any argument it accompanies, but is generally considered poor form.
When ad hominems are intentionally introduced as a way to turn the audience against someone, they are a form of “poisoning the well”. |
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Case Study One
Calling someone “racist” does not invalidate their argument, even if they are indeed racist.
Case Study Two
Some Christians respond to the arguments of non-believers by calling them “fools” (as does the Bible), presumably believing the ad hominem somehow defeats the arguments.
Keep in mind that a fallacious argument does not entail an erroneous position.
