Argument from authority facts for kids

An argument from authority is when you say something is true because an expert or someone important said it. It's like saying, "My teacher said the sky is blue, so it must be true!" This kind of argument can be helpful sometimes, but it can also be tricky and lead to mistakes if you're not careful.

What is an Argument from Authority?

When you use an argument from authority, you're basically saying:

• Someone (let's call them A) is really good at a certain topic.
• A says something about that topic.
• So, what A says is probably right.

This way of thinking makes sense in many situations. For example, if your doctor tells you to take medicine, you usually trust them because they are experts in health. However, this type of argument can sometimes be a fallacy, which means it's a faulty way of thinking that seems correct but isn't.

When is it a Good Argument?

An argument from authority is strong when the person you are quoting is a real expert on the specific topic. They should have lots of knowledge and training in that area.

• Example: If someone says, "I need to take my medicine. My doctor prescribed it," this is a good argument. Doctors have a lot of knowledge about health and medicine. They are trained to know what medicines help people. So, it's very likely the doctor's advice is correct.

When is it a Fallacy?

An argument from authority becomes a fallacy when the "expert" is not actually an expert on the topic being discussed. Their knowledge might be great in one area, but not in another.

• Example: Imagine someone says, "Aliens don't exist. My favorite basketball player said so!" Even if the basketball player is amazing at sports, they are not an expert on aliens or space. Their opinion on that topic doesn't make it true.

Another way it can be a fallacy is if the expert's opinion is not widely accepted by other experts in their field, or if they are biased.

See also

In Spanish: Argumento ad verecundiam para niños