Autoritätsfehlschluss

Autoritätsfehlschluss, also known as appeal to authority or argumentum ad verecundiam, is a logical fallacy that occurs when an argument is presented as true or valid simply because it is supported by an authority figure, even if that authority is not an expert in the relevant field or if their opinion is not universally accepted. This fallacy asserts that a claim is true because someone of authority says it is true, rather than providing evidence or reasoning to support the claim.

The error lies in assuming that an authority's opinion is automatically correct and indisputable. While expert opinions can be valuable, they are not infallible. An individual may be an authority in one area but lack expertise in another. For example, a renowned physicist's opinion on a medical treatment might not be as reliable as that of a qualified doctor. Furthermore, even within their field, experts can disagree, and their pronouncements are subject to review and revision.

The Autoritätsfehlschluss can be persuasive because people tend to respect and trust figures of authority. However, for an argument to be logically sound, it must be supported by evidence and reason, not solely by the pronouncements of an authority. When evaluating an argument, it is important to consider the qualifications of the authority, whether they are an expert in the specific subject matter, and whether their opinion is well-supported by evidence. Relying solely on an authority figure without critical evaluation can lead to accepting false or misleading information.