Visual infographic and fallacy summary: Burden of Proof
Definition & Logical Concept
You claim your point is correct because no one has proven it wrong, shifting the duty of proof to the other side.
Practical Debate Example
Speaker A: „I believe aliens are secretly visiting our planet.“
Speaker B (Fallacy): „Can you prove they aren't? You can't? Therefore, I am right!“
How to Counter & Defend
Return the burden of proof: 'The burden of proof lies on the one making the claim. You must prove they are here, not me prove they aren't.'
Common Synonyms & Alternative Terms
burden of proof • onus probandi • logical fallacy • debate manipulation
Psychological Mechanism: Why It Works
Přesunout břemeno vyžaduje nula úsilí, zatímco vyvrátit nepodložené tvrzení stojí obrovské množství práce.
Common Debate Scenarios
- encountering burden of proof in debate
- when someone says "Can you prove they aren't? You can't? Therefore, I am right!..."
Easily Confused With
Informal logical fallacy