Fallacy: Argument from Authority
Type of Fallacy:
Argument from authority
Definition:
This type of argument relies on the identity of an authority rather than the components of the argument itself.
Example;
“Lastly, young earth Creationists believe that the Book of Genesis is historical in nature and that Bible exegesis warrants a six day creation with each day being 24 hours long.”
The argument cites and relies on implied authority. God (Zeus, Thor, the FSM) said so and it says so right here on page twleve. So it must be true. Right? Never mind that there are two Creation stories in Genesis and about they have in common is that they mention God.
Arguing from authority ranks right down there with the credulous supplements customers on the infomercials saying with perfectly straignt faces. “they said on TV that it worked so it must be true.” After all nobody shown on TV ever lied or massaged the truth until it was unrecognizable.
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