tekijäargumentin

Tekijäargumentti, meaning "author argument" or "source argument" in Finnish, is a concept used in argumentation theory and rhetoric. It refers to the strategic use of the perceived authority, credibility, or character of the speaker or source to persuade an audience. This type of argument relies on the idea that if a source is considered trustworthy, knowledgeable, or otherwise authoritative, their claims are more likely to be accepted.

The effectiveness of a tekijäargumentti depends heavily on the audience's perception of the tekijä. If the audience views the source as an expert in the relevant field, the argument will be strong. Conversely, if the source is perceived as biased, unqualified, or lacking in credibility, the tekijäargumentti will be weak or even counterproductive. This can involve appealing to expertise, reputation, or even perceived moral standing.

While often a legitimate persuasive technique, the tekijäargumentti can also be fallacious. An ad hominem argument, for instance, attacks the person making the argument rather than the argument itself, and can be seen as a misuse or distortion of the tekijäargumentti. Similarly, an appeal to questionable authority, where the cited authority is not a genuine expert in the matter at hand, is a fallacious form of this argument. The core of a successful tekijäargumentti lies in aligning the perceived authority of the source with the subject matter being discussed.