Match each flawed argument below to the specific subtype of the ad hominem fallacy it demonstrates.
- The mayor argues that the city must invest in a new flood-control dam. However, this proposal should be rejected out of hand. The mayor's family owns the region's largest concrete supplier and stands to profit massively from the construction contract.Circumstantial Bias (dismissing an argument by pointing to the speaker's vested interests or motives)
- Dr. Linsley's critique of the new standardized curriculum claims it fails to teach critical thinking. But Dr. Linsley is just a bitter, out-of-touch academic who refuses to adapt to modern pedagogical methods. Therefore, her critique is worthless.Abusive Personal Attack (dismissing an argument by insulting the speaker's character or competence)
- My neighbor insists that I should stop watering my lawn during the drought to conserve the city's water supply. I reject his argument entirely; just yesterday, I saw him washing his driveway with a high-pressure hose.Tu Quoque / Hypocrisy (dismissing an argument by pointing out that the speaker acts inconsistently with their own claim)
Answer
Match the mayor's argument to Circumstantial Bias, Dr. Linsley's critique to Abusive Personal Attack, and the neighbor's argument to Tu Quoque / Hypocrisy.
Each passage demonstrates a distinct variant of the ad hominem fallacy. The first targets motives (Circumstantial), the second uses direct insults (Abusive), and the third points out hypocritical behavior (Tu Quoque).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Ad Hominem (Source Argument)