Arguments from Authority/False
Authority
Definition: using a biased, suspicious, or incredible source to
defend a conclusion
• Example: In some cases, the expertise may be just for
show -"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV."
Kelsay Manion
&
Sean Belding
Universal Example
• Claim: “X is true because I said so.” also Claim:
“X is true because Y says so.”Warrant: “What I
say must be true.”Warrant: “What Y says must
be true.”
• Claim: “You must not love me.”
Reason: “You haven’t bought me that bicycle.”
Warrant: “Buying bicycles for children is
essential to loving them.”
•
http://ksuweb.kennesaw.edu/~shagin/logfalpbc-falseauthority.htm
World Example
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0Sce
4-UHjg
• This is an argument from false authority
because Stephen Colbert is saying we can
look up what he said to see if it’s true but
then he also says if it’s not there believe
him anyway. He infers here that what he
said and what to look up are not true.
Crucible Examples
•
Proctor: I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see
no light of God in that man. I’ll not conceal it.
Hale: I must say it, Mr. Proctor; that is not for you to decide. The man’s
ordained , therefore the light of God is in him.
p. 199
Speaker: Mr. Hale
Crucible Examples
• Danforth’s Voice: Arrest that man, Marshal!
• Giles’ Voice: You’re hearing lies, lies!
• Hathorne’s Voice: Arrest him, Excellency!
p. 209
Speaker: Hathorne
Crucible Examples
• Hale: I cannot say he is an honest man; I know him little. But in
justice, sir, a claim so weighty cannot be argued by a farmer. In
God’s name, sir, stop here; send him home and let him come again
a lawyer• Danforth: Now look you, Mr. Hale• Hale: Excellency, I have signed seventy-two death warrants; I am a
minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be a
proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it.
• Danforth: Mr. Hale, you surely do not doubt my justice.
p. 215
Speaker: Mr. Hale
Works Cited
• Hagin. False Authority. 27 Nov. 2002.
Web. 15 Feb. 2012
• Lubna786rm. Appeal to Pity and False
Authority. YouTube. 21 April 2010. Web.
16 Feb. 2012