Ad hominem
 Ad hominem  (Idea, manipulation tactic, personal attack)   | |
|---|---|
| An ad hominem attack is an (counter) argument that attacks a person directly, without addressing the point that was made initially. |
The ad hominem attack is used to counter an unwanted position without going into the details of the argument. It means answering without addressing the point. These arguments are logically fallacious, because they rely on presenting irrelevant information, in an attempt to discredit a certain argument by attacking its source. Though questioning the source of information can certainly be valid in some cases, this type of argument is fallacious in cases where the attack has nothing to do with the discussion at hand, or in cases where the person using it fails to demonstrate how it relates to the discussion.[1]
Typically this term refers to a manipulation strategy where the speaker attacks the character, motive, or some other attribute of the person making an argument to derail the discussion, to avoid addressing the substance of the argument itself.
See also
The Function of Ad Hominem Arguments
Examples
| Page name | Description |
|---|---|
| "Conspiracy theory" | An enemy image used to equate scepticism of government with craziness. It was developed by the CIA to try to contain doubt about the FBI's "Oswald did it, case closed" approach to the JFK assassination. It is now being associated with dangerous and violent insanity, in an effort to promote internet censorship of free speech. |
| Brown-baiting | Harassing an individual or group by making claims of associations with National Socialism and fascism, often as a form of guilt by association and/or ad hominem, no matter how far-fetched. |
| Enemy image | A misleading view of a person or people, which hampers reconciliation and real communication |
