Argument from Authority

ARGUMENT FROM AUTHORITY
An argument from authority is an argument in which the conclusion rests upon a statement made by some presumed authority or witness. There are two types of argument from authority: qualified and unqualified. Qualified arguments from authority need to meet four criteria. The criteria are a requisite expertise, no motive to lie or deceive, no bias, and a required ability to perceive or recall. Unqualified arguments from authority occur when the noted authority or witness is not trustworthy. The authority might lack the requisite expertise, might be biased or prejudiced, might have a motive to lie or to di...