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Attacking the Person (argumentum ad hominem)
Definition:
Examples:
- You may argue that God doesn't exist, but you are just
following a fad. (ad hominem abusive)
- We should discount what Premier Klein says about
taxation because he won't be hurt by the increase. (ad
hominem circumstantial)
- We should disregard Share B.C.'s argument because they
are being funded by the logging industry. (ad hominem
circumstantial)
- You say I shouldn't drink, but you haven't been sober for
more than a year. (ad hominem tu quoque)
Proof:
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.
References:
Barker: 166, Cedarblom and Paulsen: 155, Copi and Cohen: 97, Davis: 80
26 May 1995 / 06 January 1996
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