Fallacy
Appeal to Authority
Also known as: Argumentum ad verecundiam
- Category
- Fallacy
- Main group
- Informal Fallacy
- Subgroup
- Irrelevant Appeal
- Difficulty
- medium (2/3)
- Argumentation order
- 1. Argument
Description
An argument is supported by appealing to an (alleged) authority in the form of an expert or superior – even if that expert is in a completely different field.
Example
My uncle is a naturopath, and he says flour is unhealthy.
- Limitations
An argument from authority is only permissible under the following conditions:
- The authority has proven themselves.
- The authority is quoted correctly.
- They have technical expertise in the field.
- Argumentation rules are followed!
- Authorities with opposing views are also cited and refuted.
- Researched by
John Locke
Arthur Schopenhauer
- See also