Attacking the Person
(argumentum ad hominem)
Definition: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 favourable outcome. Or, finally, a person may be attacked by association, or by the company he keeps.
Examples:There are three major forms of Attacking the Person:
- Ad hominem (abusive): instead of attacking an assertion, the argument attacks the person who made the assertion.
- Ad hominem (circumstantial): instead of attacking an assertion the author points to the relationship between the person making the assertion and the person's circumstances.
- Ad hominem (tu quoque): this form of attack on the person notes that a person does not practise what he preaches.
Proof:
- You may argue that God doesn't exist, but you are just a fat idiot. (ad hominem abusive)
- We should discount what Steve Forbes says about cutting taxes because he stands to benefit from a lower tax rate. (ad hominem circumstantial)
- We should disregard Fred's argument because he is just angry about the fact that defendant once cheated him out of $100. (ad hominem circumstantial)
- You say I should give up alcohol, but you haven't been sober for more than a year yourself. (ad hominem tu quoque)
- You claim that Mr. Jones is innocent, but why should anyone listen to you? You are a Mormon after all. (ad hominem circumstantial)
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
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