What is an 'ad hominem' argument?

An 'ad hominem' argument specifically refers to a fallacy that occurs when the argument is directed against a person rather than addressing the actual position or argument they are presenting. This type of reasoning shifts the focus from the merits of the argument itself to personal attributes or characteristics of the individual, thereby undermining the discussion at hand.

For example, instead of debating the ideas put forth by a speaker regarding a policy, an ad hominem attack might focus on the speaker's background or personal life, thus sidestepping the actual issue. This tactic not only fails to engage with the argument's content but can also lead to a deterioration of constructive dialogue, as it creates a hostile environment where personal attacks take precedence over rational debate.

In contrast, the other options involve reasoning techniques that do not reflect the nature of an ad hominem argument, as they focus on different aspects of argumentation, such as statistics, emotional appeals, or logical reasoning.