Logical fallacy drilling: ad hominem & guilt by association

Define the ad hominem argument structure.

Remember guilt by association? Compare and contrast it with ad hominem.

Describe why you think ad hominems and guilt by association can be effective as a rhetorical tool.

Give at least two examples of when an ad hominem argument is a valid form of reasoning.

You've consistently told me lies so far, so I think you're a bad parent.

• contains ad hominem

• contains guilt by association

• contains neither

That guy is weak; after all, he was part of a pacifist association.

• contains ad hominem

• contains guilt by association

• contains neither

You've consistently told me lies so far, so I don't think you're trustworthy.

• contains ad hominem

• contains guilt by association

• contains neither

Mr. Mayer's performance has been very low the last month.

• contains ad hominem

• contains guilt by association

• contains neither

We haven't discussed this in class, but there's an additional ad hominem type called to quoque (you as well) or appeal to hypocrisy. What do you think is an example of tu quoque?

• You shouldn't tell me how to clean my house, your own apartment is super messy!

• You are a very messy man, so I won't go to you for advice!

All this time that you're telling me to improve, you're being lazy yourself.

• contains ad hominem

• contains guilt by association

• contains tu quoque

• contains none of the above