Question

A politician answers criticism by attacking a critic's patriotism instead of defending a law. Recognizing this fallacy suggests that the politician's position is weak because it:

(10 points)
Responses

questions the hidden motives and integrity of the critic.
questions the hidden motives and integrity of the critic.

avoids addressing the actual points of the criticism.
avoids addressing the actual points of the criticism.

proves that patriotism is not relevant to the proposed law.
proves that patriotism is not relevant to the proposed law.

appeals to the emotions of the audience to win support.

Answer 1

avoids addressing the actual points of the criticism.

Explanation: Attacking a critic’s patriotism is an ad hominem/appeal to emotion that sidesteps the substance of the argument, implying the politician cannot defend the law on its merits.