appeal to authority

/əˌpiːl tuː ɔːˈθɒrɪti/

using an authority figure's opinion as evidence when they lack relevant expertise

appeal to authority in a sentence

“Citing a celebrity's medical advice is an appeal to authority.”

Latin appellare to address, call upon + auctoritas authority from auctor originator

Related Words

appeal to emotion

using emotional manipulation instead of logical arguments

appeal to nature

arguing something is good because it's 'natural'

bandwagon fallacy

arguing something is true because many people believe it

begging the question

assuming the conclusion in the premise; circular reasoning

burden of proof

shifting the responsibility to disprove a claim rather than prove it

cherry picking

selecting only evidence that supports your position while ignoring contradictory data