Which fallacy involves attacking the character of the speaker instead of their argument?

The fallacy that involves attacking the character of the speaker instead of their argument is known as "ad hominem." This term comes from Latin, meaning "to the person." In discussions and debates, an ad hominem fallacy occurs when someone responds to an argument by criticizing the person making it rather than engaging with the actual content of the argument itself.

For instance, if a speaker is presenting a policy proposal and the response focuses on discrediting the speaker's personal life or character traits, rather than addressing the merits of the policy, that is an ad hominem attack. This type of fallacy distracts from the topic at hand and can undermine rational discourse, as it shifts the focus away from the evidence and reasoning that support or challenge an argument.

In the context of public speaking, understanding this fallacy is crucial because it highlights the importance of addressing the ideas presented, rather than getting sidetracked by personal attacks. Recognizing ad hominem arguments can help speakers maintain their focus and encourage listeners to distinguish between valid critiques of arguments and personal denigrations.