Trying to undermine the truth of a position by attacking the person who is advancing it is called
A) the ad hominem fallacy.
B) appeal to ignorance.
C) the straw man fallacy.
D) appeal to irrelevant emotions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ad hominem fallacy is a tactic where the person attacking an argument focuses on attacking the character, motive, or other personal attribute of the person making the argument, rather than addressing the substance of the argument itself. This is an attempt to shift the focus away from the argument and towards the person, in order to discredit their position without actually refuting it.

Trying to Undermine the Truth of a Position by Attacking