Which informal fallacy (drogreden) occurs when an arguer attacks an opponent's personal character or background instead of addressing their substantive argument?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Persoonlijke aanval (argumentum ad hominem)
- Step 1: An ad hominem attack shifts focus away from the merits of the proposition to the speaker's personality, motives or past. Step 2. In Dutch argumentation theory, this is classified as an argumentum ad hominem (persoonlijke aanval). Answer: Persoonlijke aanval (argumentum ad hominem). Why not the others: Straw man distorts the opponent's claim; begging the question repeats the premise as conclusion; false authority relies on an incompetent source.
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