ARGUMENT FROM AUTHORITY

FALSE AUTHORITY

WHAT IS ARGUMENT TO AUTHORITY? Using the words of an "expert" or authority as the bases of the argument instead of using the logic or evidence that supports an argument. (e.g., Professor so-and-so believes in creation-science.) Simply because an authority makes a claim does not necessarily mean he got it right. If an arguer presents the testimony from an expert, look to see if it accompanies reason and sources of evidence behind it.

UNIVERSAL EXAMPLE God’s authority is universally known and excepted by many.

THE CRUCIBLE EXAMPLE

Character: Danforth

Act 4 Page: 233

“Now hear me, and beguile yourselves no more. I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement.”

Argument of authority is shown because Danforth is higher up in society, and there is no room to argue with him because he gives off the idea that he is above everyone else showing this is the only option to choose.

THE CRUCIBLE EXAMPLE

Danforth vs. Abigail

Act 3 Page 221

Danforth: You deny every scrap and tittle of this?

Abigail: If I must answer that, I will leave and I will not come back again!

This is an example because Danforth has authority over Abigail but she feels as if she doesn‘t have to do anything that Danforth tells her to do or ask of her.

PICTURE ANALOGY

CITATIONS

"Common Fallacies." Common Fallacies. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.