Logical reasoning PrepTest 151 · Section 4 · Question 13

Incorrect. The argument doesn't raise a personal character trait of the colleague—it talks about how she's acting, and that action is taken within a professional capacity. This answer would be correct in an argument, for example, where someone's personal generosity was used to justify a conclusion that they'd recommend a business they're a part of donate to charity.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Argument

Valid or Flawed:
Flawed

Question Type:
Errors in Reasoning

Stimulus Summary:
My colleague is behaving hypocritically, so her reasons for opposing the act can't be good, and we must approve the act.

Answer Anticipation:
The Legislator offers no actual reasons to approve the act, instead relying on accusing the opposition as acting hypocritically and not having a persuasive argument against the bill. When a conclusion is based on arguments about those making the opposing point instead of the opposing point itself, the argument is committing an ad hominem attack. Let's find that answer.

Answer Explanation:
This answer does describe an ad hominem attack, which has two parts—a focus on those making the argument, and a failure to address the merits of the argument. While most answer choices focus on the first of those parts, it's equally valid to just focus on the second, which is where the flaw actually happens (because you can focus on the person making the argument as long as you also address the argument itself).

Key Takeaway:
An ad hominem attack occurs when someone undermines an argument without addressing the argument itself. While most people think of it as a personal attack on the person making the argument, the real problem isn't the personal attack, but rather the failure to address the argument, as reflected in this correct answer.

Incorrect. The argument is over whether the act should be supported, not whether it is supported by a majority.

Incorrect. The Legislator doesn't raise voter preferences as a reason to vote for or against an act, so this answer is out of scope.

Incorrect. Similar to (D), there's no indication that constituent wishes have anything to do with whether one should or should not support an act.