What type of argument is demonstrated by implying someone's credibility is invalid based on their position?

The argument exemplified here is an Ad Hominem argument because it attacks an individual's credibility rather than addressing the substance of their argument or position. Ad Hominem translates to "to the person," indicating that rather than engaging with the ideas or claims presented, the argument shifts focus to the characteristics, actions, or background of the person advocating those ideas.

For instance, if someone dismisses a scientist's findings solely on the basis that they are funded by a specific organization, this is attacking the individual's credibility instead of disputing the validity of the findings themselves. This tactic is considered a logical fallacy because it does not engage with the argument at hand, thereby diverting attention from the issues being discussed.

Other types of arguments, such as Appeal to Ignorance, Diversion, and Straw Man, operate on different principles. Appeal to Ignorance relies on assuming a claim is true merely because it has not been proven false. Diversion involves redirecting the discussion to a different topic to evade the original argument, while Straw Man misrepresents someone's argument to make it easier to attack. The defining feature of the Ad Hominem argument is its focus on personal attributes instead of the matter being asserted.