Argument from Authority
The argument from authority fallacy occurs when a claim is supported by a false or irrelevant authority figure rather than by evidence or reasoned argument. Legitimate authorities must be experts in the specific context, and even experts can be wrong.
THE IDEA
Argumentum ad Verecundiam (Argument from Authority)
Argumentum ad verecundiam is often translated from the Latin as “argument from authority.” This fallacy relies on a false authority figure as support for a particular claim. A false authority is one who has little or no expertise in the particular context in which he/she is being used. The ad verecundiam argument can be found quite regularly in advertising. Often, celebrities, entertainers, or athletes will promote certain items or products of which they have no in-depth knowledge. For example, one might encounter a movie star selling pharmaceuticals, or a country singer promoting a politician.
Relevant expertise can give a claim support. A doctor’s medical training or a mathematics professor’s knowledge of algebra may be appropriate to the question. Those credentials alone do not establish expertise in religion or politics. A person may have additional knowledge or a sound argument in another field, but the unrelated title does not supply it.
There are many other examples of the ad verecundiam fallacy. For example:
-
According to the bus driver, UC Berkeley is not a good university. So, you should reconsider attending in the Fall.
-
I know that democracy is the best form of government because my pastor said so.
-
My history professor gave a wonderful lecture on atheism. He is an expert, so he must be right.
In these examples, the cited role alone does not establish the expertise needed for the conclusion. Ask what relevant knowledge or evidence supports the advice. Even qualified experts can be mistaken.
When to use it
Evaluating product endorsements by celebrities or athletes who lack relevant expertise.
Assessing the credibility of sources in political debates and media commentary.
Recognizing fallacious arguments in advertisements that misuse authority figures.
Determining the validity of expert testimony in legal settings or academic research.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Bus driver's opinion on university quality
According to the bus driver, UC Berkeley is not a good university. So, you should reconsider attending in the Fall.
Pastor's claim about government
I know that democracy is the best form of government because my pastor said so.
History professor's lecture on atheism
My history professor gave a wonderful lecture on atheism. He is an expert, so he must be right.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you recall a situation where you accepted a claim based on a false authority? How did you realize it was a fallacy?
What criteria can you use to determine whether an authority is legitimate in a given argument?
Why is it important to remember that even experts can be wrong despite being legitimate authorities?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Informal Logical Fallacies A Brief Guide