Which logical fallacy occurs when one uses a person's traits as an argument against them?

The logical fallacy that occurs when an argument is made against a person based on their character or personal traits is known as Ad Hominem. This fallacy shifts the focus away from the issue at hand and attacks the individual instead, undermining their arguments by discrediting them on irrelevant personal grounds.

For example, if someone were to argue that a politician's stance on environmental policy is invalid simply because of past personal behavior unrelated to their qualifications or actions as a politician, that would exemplify an Ad Hominem attack. This strategy distracts from engaging with the actual argument or evidence presented and instead relies on personal attributes to sway opinion.

In summary, Ad Hominem is particularly problematic in discourse as it can undermine rational discussion by appealing to emotions rather than logic, making it a powerful yet fallacious tactic in debate and argumentation.