Question

The statement "We need to take a strong stand against crime, but our mayor is too busy tanning and going to concerts to address the problem" is an example of which type of fallacy?

Answer 1

Answer:

- Ad hominem.

Explanation:

The fallacy is demonstrated as the error or flaw in reasoning that destructs the validity of a claim or argument. There are varied types of fallacies reflected in writing or employed by authors deliberately to create the desired effect(persuasion).

In the given statement, 'ad hominem' fallacy is exemplified as the original claim ('We need to take a strong stand against crime') is being avoided by proposing an attack on the character of the opposition ('our mayor is too busy tanning and going to concerts to address the problem'). Such fallacies are also described as the argumentative strategy in case of a lack of sufficient counterclaims. It intends to erode or undermine the validity of the actual claim. Thus, it exemplifies 'ad hominem' fallacy.