What is an Argument by Authority?

S2-SA5-0215

Grade Level:

Class 7

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

An Argument by Authority is when someone tries to prove their point by saying that a famous or respected person, or an expert, agrees with them. It suggests that because an authority believes something, it must be true, without necessarily giving other reasons or evidence.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine your friend says, 'Cricket is the best sport because Virat Kohli said so in an interview!' This is an Argument by Authority. Your friend is using Virat Kohli's opinion to support their claim, instead of giving reasons like 'it's exciting' or 'it requires skill'.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's say a classmate, Rohan, argues that eating only sprouts for breakfast will make you super smart.

1. Rohan says: 'My uncle, who is a doctor, told me that eating only sprouts for breakfast makes you super smart.'

2. Rohan is trying to convince you using his uncle's authority as a doctor.

3. While his uncle is a doctor, Rohan hasn't provided any scientific studies or other evidence to support this specific claim about sprouts and super intelligence.

4. To properly evaluate this, you would need to look for actual scientific research, not just rely on one person's statement, even if they are an expert in a related field.

ANSWER: Rohan's argument is an Argument by Authority because he relies solely on his uncle's status as a doctor to prove his point, without offering other evidence.

Why It Matters

Understanding this helps you think critically, whether you're reading news, listening to debates, or even choosing what to believe on social media. It's crucial for future journalists, lawyers, and scientists to distinguish between valid evidence and mere appeals to authority.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Thinking an expert's opinion is always wrong or irrelevant. | CORRECTION: An expert's opinion can be valuable, but it's not the ONLY proof. Look for supporting evidence or reasons they give.

MISTAKE: Believing an authority in one field is an authority in ALL fields. | CORRECTION: A famous cricketer is an authority on cricket, but not necessarily on climate change or medicine. Check if the authority is relevant to the topic.

MISTAKE: Confusing an 'appeal to authority' with presenting actual expert evidence. | CORRECTION: An appeal to authority just states 'X says Y is true'. Presenting expert evidence involves explaining WHY X (the expert) believes Y is true, often with data, studies, or logical reasoning.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: Is it an Argument by Authority if someone says, 'You should buy this specific brand of toothpaste because my dentist recommended it to me'? | ANSWER: Yes, it is. The person is using the dentist's recommendation (an authority) as the main reason to buy the toothpaste.

QUESTION: Your history teacher says, 'The Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526, according to historical records.' Is this an Argument by Authority? Explain. | ANSWER: No, it is not purely an Argument by Authority. While the teacher is an authority, they are also citing 'historical records' which implies evidence beyond just their personal opinion. If they only said 'because I, your teacher, say so,' then it would be.

QUESTION: Your friend claims, 'Mobile phones cause headaches because my elder brother, who is an engineer, told me so.' What kind of argument is this, and what's missing to make it stronger? | ANSWER: This is an Argument by Authority. To make it stronger, your friend would need to provide scientific research, medical studies, or data linking mobile phone use directly to headaches, rather than just relying on their brother's (an engineer, not necessarily a medical expert) statement.

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of the following is an example of an Argument by Authority?

The sky is blue because water reflects sunlight.

You should eat vegetables because they provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Global warming is a serious issue because Dr. Sharma, a renowned climate scientist, has stated it repeatedly.

The traffic is bad today because there was a major accident on the highway.

The Correct Answer Is:

Option C relies on the statement of 'Dr. Sharma, a renowned climate scientist,' to prove the point about global warming. This is an appeal to the scientist's authority. The other options provide reasons or observations, not just an expert's say-so.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

You see Arguments by Authority often in advertisements. For example, a celebrity endorsing a fairness cream or a sports star promoting a health drink. While their fame makes us notice, it doesn't mean the product is truly the best. Always look for actual benefits and scientific proof, not just who is promoting it.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

AUTHORITY: A person or group with special knowledge, skill, or power in a particular field | EVIDENCE: Facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid | CRITICAL THINKING: Analyzing information objectively and making a reasoned judgment | LOGIC: Reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity | FALLACY: A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument.

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Next, explore 'Ad Hominem Fallacy' and 'Straw Man Fallacy'. These are other common mistakes in arguments, and understanding them will further sharpen your critical thinking skills and help you identify weak arguments in daily life.