How to Spot an Argumentative Fallacy
3. Ad Hominem
This is the tactic of avoiding debate (which one will presumably lose) by personally attacking one’s opponent. Rather than honestly defending the argument or ideas being contested, a debater who is losing will often resort to this tactic, attacking their opponent with personal charges. “My opponent says my policies cost jobs, but what does he know about jobs? He’s rich, and last year he barely paid any taxes!” The attack detracts the integrity of the debate. Those who rely on this tactic are desperate.
