Argument from authority

Argument from Authority

The argument from authority, also known as argumentum ad verecundiam, is a common form of argument which relies on the opinion or statement of an authority figure or institution as evidence for the truth of a proposition. This type of argument is frequently encountered in various fields, including medicine, law, and science, where expert opinions are often sought to support claims or decisions.

Structure of the Argument

An argument from authority typically follows this structure:

1. Person A is an authority on subject S. 2. Person A makes a claim C about subject S. 3. Therefore, C is true.

While appealing to authority can be persuasive, it is important to recognize that it does not guarantee the truth of the claim. The validity of the argument depends on the credibility of the authority and the context in which the claim is made.

Critical Evaluation

Arguments from authority can be fallacious if the authority is not a legitimate expert on the subject, if there is a lack of consensus among experts, or if the authority is biased. Critical evaluation of such arguments involves assessing the qualifications of the authority, the evidence supporting their claim, and the presence of any potential conflicts of interest.

Legitimate Use

In some cases, appealing to authority is a reasonable approach, especially when the authority is widely recognized as an expert in the field and there is a consensus among other experts. For example, in medical practice, physicians often rely on guidelines and recommendations from reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fallacious Use

A fallacious argument from authority occurs when the authority cited is not an expert in the relevant field, when the authority's opinion is not representative of the consensus, or when the authority's statement is taken out of context. For instance, citing a celebrity's opinion on a scientific matter as evidence would be considered a fallacious use of authority.

Examples

Medicine

In the field of medicine, arguments from authority are common, as practitioners often rely on the expertise of specialists and established medical guidelines. However, it is crucial to ensure that the authority is credible and that their recommendations are based on sound evidence.

Law

In legal contexts, arguments from authority may involve citing precedents or the opinions of legal scholars. While these can be persuasive, they must be critically evaluated to ensure they are applicable to the case at hand.

Also see

• Appeal to authority
• Logical fallacy
• Expert opinion
• Critical thinking