Question

Of course, my opponent supports legislation for student loan forgiveness. She still owes plenty on her student loans and is just looking for a way to avoid paying them. This statement is an example of which fallacy?

a. Genetic/Originative fallacy

b. False dilemma/Either-or fallacy

c. Ad hominem

d. Ad populum/Appeal to celebrity

Answer 1

The statement is an example of an ad hominem fallacy, which attacks an individual's motive or character instead of addressing the merits of their argument. It diverts the discussion from the issue of student loan forgiveness to personal circumstances irrelevant to the policy's value. So, the correct option is c. Ad hominem

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement in question is an example of the ad hominem fallacy. An ad hominem fallacy occurs when the argument is directed against the person rather than the position they are maintaining. In this case, the argument attacks the opponent personally by insinuating a motive behind her support for student loan forgiveness, rather than addressing the merits or drawbacks of the legislation itself.

This tactic deflects the discussion from the actual policy debate to the personal circumstances of the individual advocating for the policy. The argument ignores any valid reasons the person may have for supporting student loan forgiveness and instead suggests the policy is self-serving because the opponent still owes money on her student loans. Such an attack does not engage with the arguments for or against student loan forgiveness but instead criticizes the character or circumstances of the person proposing it. By mentioning the correct option in the final part: The fallacy demonstrated in the statement is an ad hominem attack.