Argument From False Authority Fallacy produced by: Ben Morgan and Zac Ross

Argument from False Authority Fallacy The person making the claim presents himself as an expert who should be trusted on the basis of his expertise even though his experience is not in the area being discussed. Being an expert in one area does not give one the authority to claim general expertise on other topics. Sometimes the claimant has bogus credentials or makes only a tangential connection to the topic when presenting his experience as an expert. In some cases, the expertise may be just for show.

Universal example “I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV.” While the claimant states they are a doctor and claims they have the knowledge required to act as one, in reality they do not.

Crucible Examples Elizabeth: It is a mouse no more. I forbid her go, and she raises up her chin like daughter of a prince and says to me, I must go to Salem, Goody Proctor, I am an offical in the court. Problem: Goody Proctor is the woman of the proctor household yet Mary Warren feels that she has the authority to go against Goody Proctors wishes.

Crucible Examples Abigail: Let you beware Mr. Danforth. I think you be so mighty that the power of hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it. Problem: Mary Warren has just told the court that she lied about the accusations that she made, she also tells them that Abigail is lying. Abigail is asked to search her heart and tell the truth. She is devastated that she has been through so much and feels this makes her an authority figure on the matter and that it is ridiculous for the court to be asking her questions.

Work Cited “Fallacy: Appeal to Authority.” The Nizkor Project. The Nizkor Project, 2011. Web.