Appeal to Accomplishment
A logical fallacy where arguments are judged based on the accomplishments or success of the person making them, rather than on the evidence and reasoning of the argument itself.
THE IDEA
Appeal to Accomplishment
(also known as: appeal to success)
Description: When the argument being made is sheltered from criticism based on the level of accomplishment of the one making the argument. A form of this fallacy also occurs when arguments are evaluated on the accomplishments, or success, of the person making the argument, rather than on the merits of the argument itself.
Logical Form:
Person 1 is highly accomplished/successful. Person 1 makes claim X. Therefore, claim X is true (or should not be criticized).
Example #1: "You can't possibly question my methods of cat-juggling! I've been a successful circus performer for 20 years!"
Explanation: Relevant experience may inform an assessment of the performer’s methods, but success does not put those methods beyond criticism.
Example #2: "As a renowned theologian with multiple degrees and a best-selling book, I assure you that Jesus' favorite snack was wine-dipped raisins."
Explanation: The credentials do not supply evidence for this specific historical claim. Ask which sources support it.
Exception: When one’s accomplishments are directly related to the argument, it is more meaningful.
Tip: Many successful people attempt to use their success as a wildcard to be an authority on everything. Don’t allow one’s own success to cloud your judgment of the claims they are making. Evaluate the evidence above all else.
When to use it
When assessing product endorsements from celebrities or successful entrepreneurs
When evaluating political arguments from wealthy or powerful figures
When judging the validity of a scientific claim made by a Nobel laureate outside their field of expertise
When debating controversial topics with highly accomplished individuals in unrelated domains
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Successful cat juggler
You can't possibly question my methods of cat-juggling! I've been a successful circus performer for 20 years!
Theologian with snack claim
As a renowned theologian with multiple degrees and a best-selling book, I assure you that Jesus' favorite snack was wine-dipped raisins.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you evaluate an argument independently of the speaker's accomplishments?
Think of a time when you were swayed by someone's success; did their argument hold up under scrutiny?
How might success in one area tempt someone to claim authority in another?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies