Which of the following statements is an example of an Ad Hominem attack?

Which of the following statements is an example of an Ad Hominem attack?

• A. There is no evidence spirits exist, so they surely don't.
• B. He claims to be trustworthy, but he has a criminal record.
• C. I've never seen anyone succeed at that; thus, it's impossible.
• D. It seems obvious they are in love; look at their actions.

Answer: (B)

An Ad Hominem attack occurs when someone attacks the character or personal traits of an individual instead of addressing the argument or issue at hand. The statement in the correct answer focuses on the individual’s criminal record to undermine their claim of being trustworthy, rather than providing any logical reasoning related to the trustworthiness itself. In this context, the argument shifts from discussing the merits of trustworthiness to questioning the individual's character based on their past. This type of personal attack distracts from the main point and redirects the discussion to the individual’s past actions, illustrating the essence of an Ad Hominem fallacy. Other statements do not fit this definition, as they either present general assertions, lack personal attacks, or draw conclusions without distracting from the individual's character.

An Ad Hominem attack occurs when someone attacks the character or personal traits of an individual instead of addressing the argument or issue at hand. The statement in the correct answer focuses on the individual’s criminal record to undermine their claim of being trustworthy, rather than providing any logical reasoning related to the trustworthiness itself.

In this context, the argument shifts from discussing the merits of trustworthiness to questioning the individual's character based on their past. This type of personal attack distracts from the main point and redirects the discussion to the individual’s past actions, illustrating the essence of an Ad Hominem fallacy.

Other statements do not fit this definition, as they either present general assertions, lack personal attacks, or draw conclusions without distracting from the individual's character.