What does the term ad hominem refer to in an argument?

The term ad hominem refers to a specific type of argument where an individual attacks the person making an argument rather than addressing the argument itself. When someone resorts to an ad hominem attack, they divert the conversation from the actual ideas or propositions being discussed and instead focus on discrediting the individual, often by targeting their character, motives, or other personal attributes. This tactic is typically used to undermine the opponent’s credibility, suggesting that the argument is invalid because of who is presenting it, rather than engaging with the ideas themselves. Understanding this concept is crucial in evaluating the strength of arguments in debates or discussions, as using ad hominem attacks can indicate a lack of substantive points to counter the opposing viewpoint.