ad hominem arguments

Ad Hominem Examples

An ad hominem argument (or argumentum ad hominem in Latin) is used to counter another argument. However, it's based on feelings of prejudice (often irrelevant to the argument), rather than facts, reason, and logic. An ad hominem argument is often a personal attack on someone's character or motive rather than an attempt to address the actual issue at hand.

Using hominem in argument

This type of personal attack fallacy is often witnessed in debates in courtrooms and politics. Often, the attack is based on a person's social, political, or religious views. Either way, the case is undermined by ad hominem attacks and they are to be avoided at all costs. You'll see why as we explore ad hominem examples below.

The Function of Ad Hominem Arguments

Sometimes, people utilize ad hominem fallacy because they want to appeal to people's emotions. (Raise your hand if you've ever jumped to a conclusion based on emotion, rather than reason.) But, that's precisely why these kinds of arguments are often made of straw rather than of steel.

As soon as you spot someone coming after you with an ad hominem argument, you can counter their attack in two moves.

Point out the irrelevance of the emotional testimony they've just introduced to the argument. Point out their personal attack on you and highlight how it has nothing to do with the argument at hand. In fact, you can go so far as to ask them how - precisely - their personal attack is relevant to the argument at hand.

Once you've exposed their weakness, move on. Take the high road. You might say something to the effect of, "I understand you think I'm X,Y, and Z, but that has nothing to do with what we are actually discussing here. So, I'm not going to entertain it any longer."

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Types of Ad Hominem Fallacy

There isn’t just one type of ad hominem fallacy. Let’s look at the different types of ad hominem arguments you might find.

Abusive - This is where the person is directly attacked. (i.e. This is why a woman shouldn’t do a man's job.)

Circumstantial - Personal circumstances motivate a person's argument, so it must be false. (i.e. This car is proven to get great gas mileage. Yeah right! You just want my sale.)

Guilt by Association - Due to an association to something negative, an argument is discredited. (i.e. Pol Pot was evil and against religion. All people against religion are bad.)

Tu Quoque - Past actions discredit your argument. (i.e. You don’t believe that cheating is bad when you cheated on your wife.)