What does an ad hominem argument attack?

An ad hominem argument specifically targets an individual’s character, motives, or personal attributes instead of addressing the merits of their argument or position on an issue. This type of fallacy occurs when rather than refuting or providing evidence against the argument itself, a debater resorts to discrediting the person presenting the argument.

This can lead to a diversion from the actual topic being discussed, as the focus shifts to the individual’s personal traits instead of the substance of their claims. Recognizing ad hominem attacks is important in analyzing arguments critically, as it allows for more constructive discourse that engages with the arguments themselves rather than attacking those who present them.

In this context, the other options do not accurately define an ad hominem argument, as they focus on elements like the logic behind an argument or statistical validity, rather than the personal character of the individual involved in the discussion.