Review: Common fallacies ad hominem and straw man

What is ad hominem?

A fallacy that attacks the person instead of the argument.

What does ad hominem mean?

Latin for 'to the person'. It shifts focus from the argument to the individual.

True or false: Ad hominem attacks are valid arguments.

False, because they do not address the actual issue being discussed.

Define straw man fallacy.

Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.

Difference between ad hominem and straw man.

Ad hominem targets the person; straw man misrepresents the argument.

Fill in the blank: A straw man argument creates a ________ of the original argument.

distorted version.

How does ad hominem affect discussions?

It derails the conversation by focusing on personal attributes rather than ideas.

What is a common example of ad hominem?

Saying someone’s argument is invalid because they are uneducated.

Question: Is straw man always intentional?

No, it can occur unintentionally due to misunderstanding.

What does straw man suggest about the original argument?

It implies that the original argument is weak or flawed.

True or false: Both fallacies avoid engaging with the actual argument.

True, because they distract from the main point.

Example of a straw man argument?

Person A wants to increase funding for education, Person B says A wants to waste money.

Fill in the blank: The ad hominem fallacy is often used in ________ debates.

political.

Why use a straw man argument?

To make one's own position seem stronger or more reasonable.

What is a technique to counter ad hominem attacks?

Refocus the discussion back on the argument or topic.

Question: Can ad hominem be justified?

Generally no, as it does not address the argument directly.

Which fallacy is often used in heated arguments?

Both ad hominem and straw man are common in emotional debates.