What fallacy occurs when someone deflects criticism by pointing out hypocrisy in their critic?

The correct answer is C, Tu quoque, which is a specific type of ad hominem fallacy. This fallacy occurs when someone responds to criticism by accusing their critic of hypocrisy, essentially deflecting the argument rather than addressing the original point. Instead of engaging with the criticism at hand, the individual shifts focus onto the critic's behavior or beliefs, thereby attempting to undermine the critic’s position without providing a substantive rebuttal.

This strategy is often used in discussions where the person feels cornered by valid criticisms and attempts to divert the conversation by highlighting the critic's faults or inconsistencies. By doing so, they effectively avoid accountability and prevent a constructive dialogue about the initial issue. The strength of this fallacy lies in its emotional appeal; it can resonate with an audience who may sympathize with the accused individual while inadvertently overlooking the validity of the original criticism.