Definition

An appeal to authority (argumentum ad verecundiam) is a logical fallacy in which someone asserts that a claim must be true because it is endorsed by a person or group perceived as an authority, rather than presenting actual evidence. While experts can be credible sources, citing authority alone is not proof.

Examples

Example 1: Celebrity Endorsement

"This skincare product must work—my favorite actor uses it!"

Example 2: Academic Authority

"Dr. Smith says climate change isn't real, so it must not be real."

Example 3: Historical Appeal

"The ancient Greeks believed in humors, so it must be valid medicine."

Why It's Flawed

The appeal to authority fallacy is flawed because:

  • Authorities can be mistaken or biased
  • Expertise in one field doesn't guarantee expertise in another
  • Consensus among authorities can change over time
  • Arguments should be judged on evidence, not just credentials

While expert opinion can be valuable, it should not be the sole basis for accepting a claim.

How to Spot It

Watch for these signs of an appeal to authority:

  1. The argument relies solely on the authority's opinion
  2. No supporting evidence is provided
  3. The authority cited is not an expert in the relevant field
  4. The authority's claim is accepted without question

Example of spotting it: If someone says "It's true because the professor said so," ask for the reasoning or evidence behind the claim.

How to Avoid It

To avoid using or falling for appeals to authority:

  • Ask for supporting evidence, not just credentials
  • Check if the authority is qualified in the relevant field
  • Be wary of celebrity or non-expert endorsements
  • Remember that even experts can be wrong

When evaluating a claim, focus on the quality of the argument and evidence, not just who is making it.