Definition: An argument based on the perceived failings of an adversary rather than on the merits of the case; a logical fallacy that involves a personal attack.
Personal or abusive example:
All politicians are self-indulged liars and only care about money.
Circumstantial example:
He is a terrible President because he was playing golf instead of taken care of the worlds problems.
Biased or 'poisoning the well' example:
As President he has preached for bipartisan actions but behind closed doors he pushed the parties apart.
This type of name calling places the author in an uneasy light and lowers themselves to the level of the person or people they are trying to discredit. By realizing the consequences of using name calling, the author can avoid such logical traps in order to separate himself from his peers. Only by being self-aware and arguing from a position of strength can you prove your argument effectively.
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Jonathan Gourley, Rebecca Pottebaum, Cole Moffitt, Claire Rayburn
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Jonathan Gourley, Rebecca Pottebaum, Cole Moffitt, Claire Rayburn
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