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Definition:
An ad hominem argument is an informal fallacy which argues that some
claim is false because of some disqualifying characteristics of whomever has made
the claim. The basic form of the argument is:
There is something objectionable about person X. Therefore, person X's claim is false.
This fallacy is a mirror image of the appeal to authority, which argues that a claim should be accepted because of some positive characteristics of whoever is making the claim.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is the Logic and the Philosophy of Language?
The two fields Logic and the Philosophy of Language are often treated separately, but they are nevertheless close enough that they are presented together here. Logic is the study of methods of reasoning and argumentation, both proper and improper. The Philosophy of Language, on the other hand, involves the study of how our language interacts with our thinking.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
