Final answer:
Arguments based on character, ethos, focus on the speaker's credibility, and sloppy associative reasoning can lead us to judge an argument by the speaker's character instead of its merits. Character influences can cloud our judgment in assessing arguments. Ethical appeal and the morality of a character are crucial in the persuasiveness of an argument.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arguments based on character, often referred to as ethos in rhetorical terms, focus on the credibility and moral character of the speaker. When we consider ethos, we're looking at how the character of a speaker can influence how the audience perceives their argument. It's important to recognize that arguments can be affected by sloppy associative reasoning, where the character of the person making the argument influences our perception of the argument's validity.
For example, if a councilwoman arguing for a city solar project is revealed to have a personal financial interest in solar companies, her character is called into question, and subsequently, so is her argument, regardless of its independent merits. This is an example of the fallacy where someone's character affects the argument. It's a common technique in persuasion and can be seen across various forms of media and dialogue.
Furthermore, Aristotle's views on character in drama and speeches suggest that characters of noble birth were used to demonstrate moral lessons and credibility. In terms of argument structure, having a well-established character presenting an argument makes it more believable to the audience. This is why in modern debates, the character of the individual is often scrutinized alongside their arguments.