Which tactic involves arguing by attacking the opponent's character instead of addressing the argument?

Which tactic involves arguing by attacking the opponent's character instead of addressing the argument?

• A. Ad hominem
• B. Straw man
• C. Red herring
• D. Ad antiquitatem

Answer: (A)

Attacking the person rather than engaging with the actual claim is an ad hominem fallacy. It shifts the focus from the argument to the speaker’s character, motives, or circumstances in an attempt to discredit the idea without evaluating its evidence or logic. For example, dismissing a policy proposal because of who proposed it, rather than discussing the merits or drawbacks of the policy itself, fits this tactic. Why the other options don’t fit: a straw man involves misrepresenting the opponent’s position and attacking that distorted version; a red herring introduces an unrelated issue to divert attention; ad antiquitatem appeals to tradition, claiming something is right because it’s traditional.

Attacking the person rather than engaging with the actual claim is an ad hominem fallacy. It shifts the focus from the argument to the speaker’s character, motives, or circumstances in an attempt to discredit the idea without evaluating its evidence or logic. For example, dismissing a policy proposal because of who proposed it, rather than discussing the merits or drawbacks of the policy itself, fits this tactic.

Why the other options don’t fit: a straw man involves misrepresenting the opponent’s position and attacking that distorted version; a red herring introduces an unrelated issue to divert attention; ad antiquitatem appeals to tradition, claiming something is right because it’s traditional.