Halloween 2008

Argumentum Ad Hominem

Abstract: The argument concerning the attack of a person's character or circumstances  is characterized and shown to be sometimes persuasive but normally fallacious.

Argumentum ad Hominem (abusive and circumstantial): the fallacy of attacking the character or circumstances of an individual who is advancing a statement or an argument instead of trying to disprove the truth of the statement or the soundness of the argument. Often the argument is characterized simply as a personal attack.

  A. The personal attack is also often termed an "ad personem argument": the statement or argument at issue is dropped from consideration or is ignored, and the locutor's character or circumstances are used to influence opinion.

   B. The fallacy draws its appeal from the technique of "getting personal." The assumption is that what the locutor is saying is entirely or partially dictated by his character or special circumstances and so should be disregarded.

Informal Structure of  ad Hominem

Person L says argument A.

Person L's circumstance or character is not satisfactory.

Argument A is not a good argument.

Valid uses of ad hominem consideration:

1. When examining literary or philosophical works, looking at the author's character or circumstances can sometimes provide insight into that person's ideas. In other words, ad hominem considerations can show motives and can sometimes provide explanation. However, these considerations do not demonstrate the truth or falsity of the ideas.
2. The character of a person is often relevant in consideration of the sincerity of views being offered and so is often relevant to pragmatic decision-making.

http://philosophy.lander.edu/logic/person.html