Chapter 19, "The Argument from Intimidation", Ayn Rand (1964) Summary and Analysis

In this final chapter, Rand discusses a type of irrational argument that is often used in modern society to end any kind of debate between individuals. She labels this particular argument the Argument from Intimidation. To define this argument, she relates it to the fallacy ad hominem. Ad hominem is used to refute an argument by attacking the moral character of the person making the argument. For example, a person using ad hominem would say something to the effect that "X is immoral; therefore, his argument is false". More descriptively, because Senator A cheated on his wife, his argument that the new tax legislation is flawed is false. This form of debate is fallacious because it does not follow a logical pattern. The senator's character has nothing...