The opinion of an AUTHORITY figure

Does the opinion of an AUTHORITY figure count as GOOD REASON?

Philosophers try to construct good arguments for their views and for critiquing the arguments of others. A good argument must get its conclusion from good reasons. Philosophers have noticed that humans naturally tend to use many bad reasons called fallacies. Let's look at some of the most common fallacies so that you can watch out for them.

An authority figure is someone with the knowledge and impor- tance to be in charge-teachers, parents, and police officers are authorities. The fallacy called ad verecundiam (meaning “from reverence") is when you rely on an authority that is not relevant, or appropriate, for the argument. Take this statement, for exam- ple: "There is life on other planets-because my dad says so!" If you want to make an argument for life on other planets, you need evidence.

Consider an authority's relevance. For example, suppose you injured your knee and now you're trying to decide whether or not to join the ski club. Your doctor (a human health expert who has also exam- ined your knee) has a relevant opinion.

Be careful. It's common for authorities to offer opinions that are not relevant to their knowledge. While your doctor may have a useful opinion about your knee's ability to handle ski club, her opinions about your friends, your clothes, the video games you play, or the books you read carry no special weight.

In the end, any authority can be wrong. Philosophers are doubtful of anyone who expects others to believe them without proof. Two favorite philosophical slogans throughout history have been Nullius in verba, meaning "take no one's word for it," and Sapere aude, meaning "dare to think for yourself!"

Nineteenth-century American philosopher and poet RALPH WALDO EMERSON wrote inspiring words against the ad verecundiam fallacy: "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." By this he meant we should never let authorities pressure us into going against our own best judgment. For example, young people are taught to respect their elders. But respect is not the same as blind obedience. We each have a responsibility to be true to ourselves. We should resist any argument that doesn't give a good reason.“Because I said so" isn't a good reason. It may seem rude to point this out. But Emerson wrote that we should try to be brave enough to"speak the rude truth in all ways."

MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT was an eighteenth-century English philosopher and feminist. In her day, authorities wouldn't let women do many things men were allowed to do: vote in elections,hold political office, join the military, own property, get a divorce, play sports, or have their own bank accounts. Wollstonecraft argued that this discrimination against women was keeping society from being the best it could be. The only solution was to give boys and girls equal education so both had the opportunity to lead full lives. Education helps us develop independence of character which means we no longer bow to any authority except the authority of reason.

THINK ON IT!

Do you think the following arguments commit the ad verecundiam fallacy? Why or why not?

1. Xavier insists on staying up until midnight on New Year's Eve. His mother argues that he cannot function on so little sleep. She should know since she is his mother.

2. Audrey argues that the kids in her class should not challenge their teacher's decision to hold recess indoors today. The teacher has the right to decide.

3. Give your own ad verecundiam example.