On The Attack

Question 1

Bypassing the argument by launching an irrelevant attack on the person rather than their claim.

‘Anyone that says we should build the Ground Zero Mosque is an American-hating liberal.’

Answer 1

Ad Hominem

Question 2

I don’t need to prove my claim - you must prove it is false.

‘I maintain long-term solar cycles are the cause of global warming. Show me I’m wrong.’

Answer 2

Burden of Proof

Question 3

Stating a claim isn’t credible only because of the advocate’s interest in their claim.

‘A study into the health risks of mobile phones involved mobile phone companies, therefore the study cannot be trusted.’

Answer 3

Circumstantial Ad Hominem

Question 4

Attacking the cause or origin of a claim, rather than it’s substance.

‘Of course, mainstream liberal media aren’t going to say Barack Obama is a Muslim.’

Answer 4

Genetic Fallacy

Question 5

Discrediting an idea or claim by associating it with an undesirable person or group.

‘Oh you want to relax the anti-terrorism laws just like the terrorists want us to do. Are you saying you support terrorism?’

Answer 5

Guilt by Association

Question 6

Creating a distorted or simplified caricature of your opponent’s argument, and the arguing against that.

‘You say Israel should stop building settlements on the West Bank in violation of the treaty, so you’re saying Israel doesn’t have the right to be a nation?’

Answer 6

Straw Man