Question

Which type of argument is seen in the paragraph below?

During the debate on climate change, instead of addressing the opponent's argument about the need for reducing carbon emissions, John dismissed her points by attacking her character. "How can we take Sarah's views on environmental policy seriously?" he sneered. "She's not even a scientist; she's just a writer with no real qualifications in the field."

(1 point)
Responses

A well-reasoned argument
A well-reasoned argument

An ad hominem argument (attacking someone's character)
An ad hominem argument (attacking someone's character)

An appeal to authority
An appeal to authority

An appeal to emotion
An appeal to emotion

Answer 1

An ad hominem argument (attacking someone's character) — John attacks Sarah's credentials rather than addressing her argument about carbon emissions.