Visual infographic and fallacy summary: Anonymous Authority Appeal
Definition & Logical Concept
You refer to the opinion of unspecified 'experts', 'scientists', or 'many people' without providing names or source studies.
Practical Debate Example
Speaker A: „This new supplement supposedly cleanses arteries.“
Speaker B (Fallacy): „Did you know that scientists at a prestigious British institute recently proved it extends life by 20 years?!“
How to Counter & Defend
Ask for the source: 'Which specific scientists and from which institute? I'd like to read the study myself.'
Common Synonyms & Alternative Terms
anonymous authority appeal • appeal to anonymous authority • logical fallacy • debate manipulation
Psychological Mechanism: Why It Works
Přímé propojení dvou viditelných jevů je mentálně snazší než pátrání po neviditelném třetím faktoru v pozadí.
Common Debate Scenarios
- encountering anonymous authority appeal in debate
- when someone says "Did you know that scientists at a prestigious British instit..."
Easily Confused With
Informal logical fallacy