Ad Hominem Brandon Sneed and Tesia Bailey AP

Ad Hominem Brandon Sneed and Tesia Bailey AP English III L. Hughes- 7 th Period

Definition of Fallacy ad ho·mi·nem l [ad hom-uh-nuhm –nem] l --adjective l l Appealing to one's prejudices, emotions, or special interests rather than to one's intellect or reason. l Attacking an opponent's character rather than answering his argument.

Picture Analogy

Universal Example Bill: "I believe that abortion is morally wrong. " Dave: "Of course you would say that, you're a priest. " Bill: "What about the arguments I gave to support my position? " Dave: "Those don't count. Like I said, you're a priest, so you have to say that abortion is wrong. Further, you are just a lackey to the Pope, so I can't believe what you say. "

The Crucible Examples 1. Ad Hominem. 2. Danforth 3. Act 3, line 19, page 221 Proctor: “I have made a bell of my honor! I have rung the doom of my good name- you will believe me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one!”

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 Proctor out. ” Even though John Proctor tells the court that his wife cannot lie, they don’t believe him and still bring his wife in to question her. The court doesn’t even consider what he says, they automatically ask his wife.

2. 1. Ad Hominem 2. Cheever 3. Act 3, page 211 Danforth: Not come to church? Proctor: I—I have no love for Mr. Parris. It is no secret. But God I surely love. Cheever: He plow on Sunday, sir Danforth: Plow on Sunday!

Cheever: I think it be evidence John. I am an official of the court, I cannot keep it. Proctor: I—I have once or twice plowed on Sunday. I have three children, sir, and until last year my hand give little. Since John Proctor plows on Sundays, Cheever attacks his character. Instead of listening to what he has to say throughout the trial, he holds a variety of things against him. Such as his absence in church since he has been plowing.

Citation “The Ad Hominem”. Abagond. Web. 14 April. 2011. Fallacy: Ad Hominem. The Nizkor Project, 2009. Web. 14 April. 2011 "Ad Hominem. " Dictionary. com, 2011. Web. 15 Apr 2011.