Difference between revisions of "Argument from authority"
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(→Overview: further presumptions; moved a.k.a. to Synonyms section) |
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
| − | [[Category:Logical Fallacies]]An [[argument from authority]] is any argument based solely on the credibility | + | [[Category:Logical Fallacies]]An [[argument from authority]] is any argument based solely on the credibility of a particular entity (the authority). |
| + | |||
| + | The presumption of credibility may proceed from any of several other presumptions, including: | ||
| + | * The authority is the definitive source for knowledge on this subject, so any statement s/he makes on this subject is true by definition ''or'' is the official truth | ||
| + | * The authority knows more than you do, so any counter-arguments you might propose are based on ignorance | ||
| + | * The authority is infallible and incapable of error | ||
| + | ==Synonyms== | ||
| + | * '''ipse dixit''' (Latin: ''he himself said it'') | ||
| + | * '''argumentum ad verecundiam''' (Latin: ''argument to respect'') | ||
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==Related Pages== | ==Related Pages== | ||
* [[Argument from authority]] is a type of [[black box argument]]. | * [[Argument from authority]] is a type of [[black box argument]]. | ||
Revision as of 14:27, 2 August 2006
Overview
An argument from authority is any argument based solely on the credibility of a particular entity (the authority).
The presumption of credibility may proceed from any of several other presumptions, including:
- The authority is the definitive source for knowledge on this subject, so any statement s/he makes on this subject is true by definition or is the official truth
- The authority knows more than you do, so any counter-arguments you might propose are based on ignorance
- The authority is infallible and incapable of error
Synonyms
- ipse dixit (Latin: he himself said it)
- argumentum ad verecundiam (Latin: argument to respect)
Related Pages
- Argument from authority is a type of black box argument.
Examples
- "Carl Sagan says there can't be life elsewhere in the universe, so that proves it."
- "God says homosexuality is a sin, so it must be."