Ad Hominem

What is Ad Hominem?

• An argument that uses an attack on one's appearance, character traits, and personality.

• An argument that makes an assumption based off of a sample size that is too small.

• An argument that relies on the popularity of an idea. The more popular it is, the more valid it is.

• An argument that raises a side issue that distracts the audience from the real issue.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

True or False: Ad Hominem is only an attack on appearance.

• True

• False

Is this an example of Ad hominem?:

When I was young, my dad and brothers never helped with the household chores. All men are useless in the house.

• Yes

• No

Is this an example of Ad Hominem?:

Socrates' arguments about human excellence are rubbish. What could a man as ugly as he know about human excellence.

• Yes

• No

Is this an example of Ad Hominem?:

Son: "Wow, Dad, it's really hard to make a living on my salary."

Father: "Consider yourself lucky, son. Why, when I was your age, I only made $40 a week."

• Yes

• No

Is this an example of Ad Hominem?:

Of course Marx' theories about the ideal society are bunk. The guy spent all his time in the library.

• Yes

• No

True or False: Ad Hominem can be an attack on one's hobbies or daily activities.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.8.6

I'm curious. How difficult (in terms of memorizing what it is/isn't) would you rate the ad hominem fallacy, as compared to other fallacies?

• Very Easy

• Easy

• Neither easy nor difficult

• Difficult

• Very Difficult

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D