In a debate, using personal attacks instead of addressing the argument presented is known as?

The term that describes the tactic of using personal attacks instead of addressing the argument is known as Ad Hominem. This fallacy occurs when an individual attacks the character or personal traits of their opponent rather than engaging with the substance of their argument. By focusing on personal characteristics, this tactic distracts from the actual issue being debated and undermines logical discourse. Recognizing Ad Hominem attacks is crucial in debates, as it allows participants to stay focused on relevant content and arguments rather than getting sidetracked by irrelevant personal criticisms.

In contrast, other options reflect different forms of argumentative fallacies: a Straw Man involves misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, a Red Herring introduces an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the original argument, and a Leading Question is a type of question that prompts a specific answer rather than allowing for an open response. Each of these terms identifies distinct logical flaws, but Ad Hominem specifically pertains to personal attacks.