Ad Hominem

LUCAS ENGLAND & ZACH ZACCARIA.P. LANGUAGE

ROSEMARIE GRICE7 T H PERIOD

Definition of Ad Hominem Latin for “to the man”, is a response to an argument by attacking person’s character.

Universal Example Hunter: “I think we need to lower taxes.” John: “ This coming from a man who is blonde.” Hunter: “U wot m8?” John: “You have blonde hair, therefore your argument is invalid.”

1st Example From Crucible•Danforth•Act 3, Line 19, Page 221

Continuation of 1st Example Abigail: “What look do you give me? I’ll not have such looks!” Danforth: “You will remain where you are! Mr. Parris, go into the court and bring Goodwife Procter out.”

John Proctor claims his wife cannot lie, but they don’t believe him. However, they bring her out to question her and believe very word she says, and nothing Proctor says.

2nd Example From Crucible•Parris•Act 3, Page 211

Continuation of 2nd Example Danforth: “You are in all respects a Gospel Christian?” Proctor: “I am, sir.” Parris: “Such a Christian that will not come to church but once a month!”

Parris is undermining Proctor’s character in order to make him seem guilty, even though his statement is completely irrelevant to the proceedings.

Citation •“Ad Hominem.” Dictionary. Dictionary.com, 2011. Web. 14 March 2015. •Fallacy: Ad Hominem. The Nizkor Project, 2009. Web. 14 March 2015. •Miller, Arthur. The Crucible, Language of Literature. Ed. Arthur N. Applebee. Boston: McDougal-Littell, 2002. Print.