What is Ad hominem in Literature?
Ad hominem is a Latin phrase that means “to the man.” In literary and rhetorical terms, ad hominem refers to an argumentative strategy where one attacks the character, motives, or other personal traits of their opponent instead of addressing the substance of their argument. Ad hominem arguments are often used to discredit an opponent or to deflect attention away from a weak argument of one’s own. It is generally considered a logical fallacy and an ineffective way of making a persuasive argument. Instead of attacking the person, it is generally more effective to address the actual arguments being made.
