Definition
A claim is dismissed or undermined based on attributes of the person making it, rather than the merits of the claim.
Reasoning methodology
Ad hominem
Attacking the source of an argument instead of the argument itself.
Detection criteria
Flag only when an argument or claim is weakened by attacking its source rather than addressing the substance.
Genuine instances
- The senator is wrong because he is a corrupt insider.
Common false positives
- The article investigates documented corruption allegations as the topic.