Fallacy: the argument from authority
A short discussion of a common logical fallacy.
The argument from authority is one I have heard very often. It goes like this:
Person 1 makes a claim.
Person 2 says, “You’re wrong.”
Person 1 says, “Well, how do you know?”
Person 2 says, “Well, I’m a (doctor, scientist, expert) and I know these things.”
Well, the thing is, there are other doctors, scientists and experts who have written studies about these things too. They have put forward studies and evidence and given data that they have analysed.
Person 1 says, “Have you read the studies? Have you read the evidence to the contrary? Have you looked at the data?”
Person 2 says, “I don’t need to. I’m an expert.” or, by way of avoidance, Person 2 says, “I don’t have time.”
That’s a shame. Because if you haven’t considered the evidence to the contrary of your own opinion, then you don’t know what you’re talking about, no matter how much of an expert you might think you are or even be.
Nullius in Verba. Take no one’s word for it.