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When is an argument from authority acceptable?
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August 5th, 2011
On a recent thread, I got called out for committing the argument from authority logical fallacy. So, this question is somewhat selfishly motivated.
When is an argument from authority justified, and when is it a fallacy? Wikipedia says, The strength of this argument depends upon two factors: The authority is a legitimate expert on the subject. A consensus exists among legitimate experts on the matter under discussion.
What constitutes an expert, and what constitutes consensus?
Are there certain circumstances under which you’ll accept an argument from authority, and others that you wouldn’t? What are those circumstances?
Can you think of examples of fallacious appeals to authority, or examples of effective ones?
Do you consider yourself enough of an expert to make an argument from authority on certain topics? If so, what do you think justifies your expertise?
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