1. Word cloud
120 seconds
What do you think of when you hear "ad hominem"?
2. Slide
60 seconds
An ad hominem argument is when someone attacks someone else instead of their argument. This type of attack is seen as a logical fallacy because it doesn't address the argument.
What is an Ad Hominem Argument?
3. Slide
60 seconds
Ad Hominem Argument: A type of logical fallacy that occurs when someone attacks the character of a person instead of addressing the issue itself. Circumstantial Ad Hominem: A specific type of ad hominem argument in which the person attacks someone else's circumstances or background instead of addressing the issue. Tu Quoque: A type of ad hominem argument in which a person dismisses another person's argument by accusing them of having a similar flaw.
Concepts:
4. Slide
60 seconds
Ad hominem arguments often include the use of colorful language to increase the emotional appeal of the argument. Ad hominem arguments are often used in political debates, and can be used to discredit an opponent's arguments. The Latin phrase 'Ad hominem' actually means 'to the person' and is meant to be used to attack a person's character, rather than their argument.
Did you know?
5. Drawings
450 seconds
Brain break: Draw a silly monster with spikes, three eyes, and rainbow fur.
6. Slide
60 seconds
Stay calm and composed: It's essential to maintain your composure in the face of an ad hominem attack. Take a deep breath and remind yourself to stay focused on the issue at hand. Don't stoop to their level: Resist the temptation to launch a counterattack or engage in personal insults. Responding with further ad hominem remarks will only escalate the situation and detract from the substantive discussion. Point out the fallacy: Politely and firmly address the ad hominem attack by pointing out that it is a logical fallacy. Explain that attacking your character or personal attributes does not address the actual argument being debated.
How to respond to ad hominem attacks
7. Slide
60 seconds
Refocus on the argument: Bring the discussion back to the topic or issue under debate. Restate your position, provide evidence or logical reasoning to support your argument, and emphasize the importance of addressing the substantive points rather than engaging in personal attacks. Use evidence and logic: Strengthen your argument by presenting facts, data, expert opinions, or logical reasoning that support your position. By relying on evidence and reason, you demonstrate the strength of your argument and your ability to engage in a constructive debate.
How to respond to ad hominem attacks
8. Slide
60 seconds
Maintain professionalism: Throughout the discussion, maintain a professional demeanor. Be respectful, listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully. By demonstrating your ability to engage in a civil and substantive debate, you can undermine the effectiveness of the ad hominem attack. Seek support from the audience or moderator: If the debate involves an audience or moderator, you can turn to them for support. Ask for their intervention or request that the focus remains on the issues rather than personal attacks. A neutral third party can help ensure a fair and constructive debate environment.
How to respond to ad hominem attacks
9. Personalised Feedback
360 seconds
Work together in pairs: What is one example of how to respond to an ad hominem attack? Only respond on ONE computer per pair.
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