This means to attack a person’s motives or circumstances rather than reason the argument. For example, if a person suggests a reason (argument/belief) as to why they find it hard to get a partner, and the answer is, “Well of course you’re resentful, because no one will date you.” Now the answer may or may not be true, but the point is that it is dismissing rather than engaging the argument. This fallacy manifests whenever you try and discuss this situation and the response is, “Yes, because you are ___________” and then they will fill in the blanks rather than look at the argument. “If you didn’t spend all day on video games you’d be in a relationship”.
It happens inside as personalisation. Perhaps you feel you are a certain way. “Of course no one will date a loser”. You feel a certain way and so things must be that way.
FOCUS
FOCUS ON THE ARGUMENT
DON’T ASS- UME (MAKE THE WORD ASS MUCH BIGGER)