Informal Fallacy: Ad Hominem
Attacking the speaker rather than the argument; a valid move only when the speaker's reliability is the question, and a manipulation whenever it replaces engagement with the content.
An everyday example
'Of course the auditor found problems — auditors are paid to find problems.'
What it can cost you
Dismissing true warnings because of who delivered them; being pulled into defending yourself instead of your point.
Warning signs
- I dismissed it because of who said it.
- I am defending myself instead of my point.
One thing to do
Separate two questions: is the claim true, and is the source reliable? Answer the first on evidence; let the second set how hard you check.
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