Mormonism and apologetics/"ad hominem"

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What is "ad hominem"?

ad hominem:
1. appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect.
2. marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made.

—Merriam Webster. off-site

What is "ad hominem" and how it it employed?

Summary: Critics of Latter-day Saint apologists often accuse apologists of executing "ad hominem" attacks on those with whom they disagree. What is "ad hominem"? How is "ad hominem" employed?

Case studies of the application of "ad hominem"

Ad hominem case study: An attempt to discredit Brian Hales as a scholar

Summary: The author of A Letter to a CES Director attempts to discredit Brian Hales as a scholar without addressing his work.

Ad hominem case study: An attempt to portray FairMormon as delusional, dishonest and deceptive

Summary: The author of A Letter to a CES Director attempts to dismiss members of FairMormon as "delusional, dishonest and deceptive."

Ad hominem case study: An attempt to portray Dan Peterson as dishonest and possibly mentally ill

Summary: John Dehlin attempts to portray Dan Peterson as dishonest and possibly mentally ill

Ad hominem case study: An attempt to dismiss Rosalynde Welch because of who she is related to

Summary: John Dehlin attempts to dismiss Rosalynde Welch because her father-in-law is Jack Welch, founder of FARMS.

Ad hominem case study: An attempt to discredit Hugh Nibley by accusing him of child abuse

Summary: Robert Ritner attempts to discredit Hugh Nibley by accusing him of child abuse

Notes