What is entailed in argumentum ad verecundiam?

What is entailed in argumentum ad verecundiam?

• A. Sourcing opinions from qualified experts to back a claim
• B. Using a non-expert's opinion to validate a claim
• C. Citing traditional practices as a defense for an argument
• D. Giving numerical data to support a statement

Answer: (B)

Argumentum ad verecundiam, also known as the "appeal to authority," refers to the fallacy of relying on the opinion of a non-expert or someone unqualified in the relevant field to validate a claim. This fallacy occurs when a person invites agreement based solely on an authority figure's assertion, without providing the necessary evidence or rationale that supports the claim itself. In this context, the correct answer highlights that citing a non-expert's opinion does not offer credible support and can mislead audiences by suggesting that approval or endorsement from that individual is sufficient to substantiate the argument. It contrasts with argumentative approaches that properly source opinions from credible experts or utilize substantiated data, which contribute meaningfully to a logical and convincing dialogue.

Argumentum ad verecundiam, also known as the "appeal to authority," refers to the fallacy of relying on the opinion of a non-expert or someone unqualified in the relevant field to validate a claim. This fallacy occurs when a person invites agreement based solely on an authority figure's assertion, without providing the necessary evidence or rationale that supports the claim itself.

In this context, the correct answer highlights that citing a non-expert's opinion does not offer credible support and can mislead audiences by suggesting that approval or endorsement from that individual is sufficient to substantiate the argument. It contrasts with argumentative approaches that properly source opinions from credible experts or utilize substantiated data, which contribute meaningfully to a logical and convincing dialogue.