Identify the fallacy in the following argument: "I hear that the philosopher Jeremy Bentham donated his estate to the University of London on the condition that his body be present at all the board meetings. He must have been a real fruitcake. As far as I'm concerned his moral philosophy can't have any validity."
A) appeal to inappropriate authority
B) abusive
C) appeal to tradition
D) equivocation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The argument attacks Jeremy Bentham's character by calling him a "fruitcake" and dismisses his moral philosophy based on this personal attack, rather than addressing the philosophy itself. This is an example of an abusive ad hominem fallacy.

Identify the Fallacy in the Following Argument: "I Hear That