Final Answer:
An example of Poisoning the well/Ad hominem is when someone dismisses a political candidate's ideas without considering them because of a negative rumor about the candidate's personal life or character.
Step-by-step explanation:
Poisoning the well/Ad hominem fallacy occurs when an argument is discredited by attacking the character or circumstances of the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself. For instance, imagine a political debate where Candidate A raises valid points about economic reform. However, Candidate B responds by bringing up a rumor about Candidate A's personal life, suggesting that because of this rumor, Candidate A's economic policies are invalid. This tactic attempts to prejudice the audience against Candidate A rather than engaging with the substance of their argument.
This fallacy doesn't address the validity of the ideas presented but seeks to undermine the credibility of the person presenting them. It's a diversion tactic aiming to sway opinions by discrediting the opponent. In essence, it's akin to poisoning the 'well' of the discussion before the ideas are even heard, by introducing irrelevant negative information. It's important to recognize and counter such fallacies to ensure discussions are focused on the merits of the arguments rather than personal attacks or irrelevant information. This way, a more productive and fair discourse can take place.