Argument from authority
Encyclopedia
Argument from authority is a special type of inductive argument
which often takes the form of a statistical syllogism
.
Although certain classes of argument from authority do on occasion constitute strong inductive arguments, arguments from authority are commonly used in a fallacious manner.
The strength of this argument depends upon two factors:
These conditions may also simply be incorporated into the structure of the argument itself, in which case the form may look like this:
Secondly, because the argument is inductive (which in this sense implies that the truth of the conclusion cannot be guaranteed by the truth of the premises), it also is fallacious to assert that the conclusion must be true. Such an assertion is a non sequitur
; the inductive argument might have probabilistic or statistical merit, but the conclusion does not follow unconditionally in the sense of being logically necessary.
Inductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning, also known as induction or inductive logic, is a kind of reasoning that constructs or evaluates propositions that are abstractions of observations. It is commonly construed as a form of reasoning that makes generalizations based on individual instances...
which often takes the form of a statistical syllogism
Statistical syllogism
A statistical syllogism is a non-deductive syllogism. It argues from a generalization true for the most part to a particular case .-Introduction:Statistical syllogisms may use qualifying words like "most", "frequently", "almost never", "rarely",...
.
Although certain classes of argument from authority do on occasion constitute strong inductive arguments, arguments from authority are commonly used in a fallacious manner.
Forms
The appeal to authority may take several forms. As a statistical syllogism, it will have the following basic structure:- Most of what authority a has to say on subject matter S is correct.
- a says p about S.
- Therefore, p is correct.
The strength of this argument depends upon two factors:
- The authority is a legitimate expert on the subject.
- A consensus exists among legitimate experts on the matter under discussion.
These conditions may also simply be incorporated into the structure of the argument itself, in which case the form may look like this:
- X holds that A is true
- X is a legitimate expert on the subject.
- The consensus of experts agrees with X.
- Therefore, there's a presumption that A is true.
Fallacious appeals to authority
Fallacious arguments from authority often are the result of failing to meet at least one of the two conditions from the previous section. Specifically, when the inference fails to meet the first condition, this is sometimes called an "appeal to inappropriate authority". This occurs when an inference relies on individuals or groups without relevant expertise or knowledge (e.g. when a doctor of medicine untrained in economics, opines about the state of the economy, many people still will give his opinions on the subject more credence than the opinions of a person of less, or of less imposing, education).Secondly, because the argument is inductive (which in this sense implies that the truth of the conclusion cannot be guaranteed by the truth of the premises), it also is fallacious to assert that the conclusion must be true. Such an assertion is a non sequitur
Non sequitur (logic)
Non sequitur , in formal logic, is an argument in which its conclusion does not follow from its premises. In a non sequitur, the conclusion could be either true or false, but the argument is fallacious because there is a disconnection between the premise and the conclusion. All formal fallacies...
; the inductive argument might have probabilistic or statistical merit, but the conclusion does not follow unconditionally in the sense of being logically necessary.
See also
- CredentialismCredentialismCredentialism is a term used to describe a primary reliance on credentials for purposes of conferring jobs or social status. In some jobs, employers require a diploma, academic degree, security clearance, or professional license for a job which does not require the specific training that is part of...
- Ipse dixitIpse dixitIpse dixit is a Latin phrase meaning he himself said it. The term labels a dogmatic statement asserted but not proved, to be accepted on faith in the speaker....
- Logical fallacy
- Name-droppingName-droppingName-dropping is the practice of mentioning important people or institutions within a conversation, story, song, online identity, or other communication. The term often connotes an attempt to impress others; it is usually regarded negatively, and under certain circumstances may constitute a breach...
- PrecedentPrecedentIn common law legal systems, a precedent or authority is a principle or rule established in a legal case that a court or other judicial body may apply when deciding subsequent cases with similar issues or facts...