Question

Read the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, and answer the question that follows.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
The excerpt above contains a logical fallacy called ad hominem. Which specific phrase from the excerpt commits the fallacy?
A) "the most humble terms"
B) "a Tyrant"
C) "in every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned"
D) "answered only by repeated injury"

Answer 1

The phrase "a Tyrant" from the Declaration of Independence is considered an ad hominem fallacy as it attacks the character of the British monarch, suggesting he is unfit to rule based on his personal traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase from the excerpt of the Declaration of Independence that commits an ad hominem fallacy is 'B) "a Tyrant"'. An ad hominem argument attacks the character of a person rather than addressing the substance of the argument or the evidence presented.

In this case, labeling the British monarch as a tyrant is a direct attack on his character, suggesting he is unfit to rule due to his personal traits rather than evaluating specific policies or actions based solely on their own merits.