Ad Hominem Fallacy
Attacking the character of a person rather than their opinions or arguments.
Why doesn't attacking the speaker work?
A person’s traits are independent of whether their argument is sound. Attacking the speaker leaves the argument standing.
Green Peace’s strategies aren’t effective because they are all dirty, lazy hippies.
The author doesn’t name or evaluate any strategy, attacking the group’s character instead.
Types:
- Tu Quoque
- Abusive
- Circumstantial
- Guilt by Association
Redressing the fallacy
Don’t let a personal attack fluster you. Refuse to be treated poorly and disengage if needed, otherwise keep the focus on the argument itself.