Asked by Hannah Brown on May 25, 2024
Verified
Which of the following is true of making a negative claim about a person's character?
A) Doing so always results in committing the ad hominem fallacy.
B) Such attacks can only benefit a personal relationship.
C) Such claims can be a relevant consideration in an argument.
D) None of these answers is true of making negative claims about a person's character.
Ad Hominem Fallacy
Instead of presenting a counterargument, we attack the character of the person who made the argument.
Personal Relationship
A close connection between individuals, characterized by emotional or physical intimacy, communication, and mutual respect.
Negative Claim
A statement that asserts the non-existence or absence of something, often used in arguments or debates.
- Identify and break down the components of different informal fallacies.
- Recognize the importance of evidence in validating an argument.
Verified Answer
KS
Kabita SharmaMay 29, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
While negative claims about a person's character are often irrelevant to an argument (and in such cases are instances of the ad hominem fallacy), these claims can be relevant. For instance, if you are attempting to argue that someone likely committed a particular crime, it is relevant to note that the person has committed similar crimes in the past.
Learning Objectives
- Identify and break down the components of different informal fallacies.
- Recognize the importance of evidence in validating an argument.