Genetic fallacy
Also called: Judging by origin
Judging an idea by where it came from, not by whether it is true.
How to spot it
Is the idea being rejected or accepted because of its source and not its content?
Example
“That diet can't work. It was invented by a marketing company.”
How to answer it
Where an idea started may be a reason to check it carefully. It is not a reason to reject it. Ask about the evidence.
Related
- Ad hominem: Attacking the person making the argument instead of the argument.
- Appeal to authority: Treating someone's title or fame as proof, instead of looking at their reasons.