Ad hominem — English definition
Attacking the person making an argument instead of addressing the argument itself.
Where it is taught
- Logical Fallacies — Argument, Rhetoric & Tragic Choices, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
In use
An ad hominem goes after the person instead of their argument — 'you cannot trust her budget plan; she has never even run a business' — which dodges the plan entirely and hopes you will not notice.
Logical Fallacies