ad hominem

Meanings

• noun phrase

  Argumentum ad hominem is a fallacy in which an argument is directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining.

  - "Instead of addressing the issues raised in your argument, you attacked my character."
  - "Your criticism of my proposal is invalid because of your past mistakes."

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Antonyms

ad verecundiam , appeal to authority , ipse dixit

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Synonyms

argumentum ad hominem

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Variants

List of all variants of ad hominem that leads to same result
ad hominem

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

Latin: argumentum 'argument' + ad 'to' + hominem 'man'.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. Ad hominem attacks were used extensively during the US presidential debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858.

2. Ad hominem attacks are not always fallacious; they can be valid in certain contexts, such as when the character of the person making the argument is relevant to the issue at hand.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Straw man fallacy: A type of argument where an opponent's position is misrepresented or exaggerated, making it easier to attack and refute. Ad hominem and straw man fallacies are often used together.

2. Ad hominem tu quoque: A specific type of ad hominem attack where someone accuses another person of the same fault or behavior they are being criticized for.

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

Ad hominem is a common fallacy in rhetoric and logic, often used in political debates and arguments. It is considered a weak argument because it does not address the merits of the position being argued against.

How to Memorize "ad hominem"

1. visualize
   

   - Visualize a person making an argument, and then instead of addressing the argument, they attack the person making it.

2. associate
   

   - Associate the phrase 'ad hominem' with the idea of attacking the person rather than the argument.

3. mnemonics
   

   - Use the mnemonic 'A HOMINem' to remember the definition: Argumentum ad Hominem is an Argument Against a Man.

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