Not To Be Confused With
Pointing out genuine bias or dishonesty can be relevant; it becomes the fallacy when the attack REPLACES engagement with the actual reasoning.
Latin for “to the person.” The argument's truth does not depend on the character, motives, or background of the one making it. Dismissing a claim because of who said it (rather than whether it is sound) is the ad hominem move — close kin to the genetic fallacy.
Examples
- “You only believe that because you were raised that way” — dismissing a view by its source, not its merits.