Question

read the following example.
claim: the government should give buyers more incentives to buy hybrid vehicles.
which of the following counter - arguments makes an ad hominem fallacy?
a. hybrid vehicles are too expensive to be considered a viable alternative.
b. forcing people to buy hybrid vehicles is wrong and leads to forcing them to buy other things
c. there are more practical and cost - effective ways to eliminate pollution.
d. people who think hybrid vehicles will eliminate pollution are idiots.

Explanation:

An ad hominem fallacy attacks the person instead of addressing the argument. Option D attacks people who think hybrid vehicles will eliminate pollution by calling them "idiots" rather than discussing the merits of the claim about incentives. Options A, B, and C do not attack the person; A is about cost, B is about forcing, and C is about alternatives.

Answer:

D. People who think hybrid vehicles will eliminate pollution are idiots.