appeal to ignorance

/əˌpiːl tuː ˈɪɡnərəns/

arguing that a conclusion must be true because it has not been proven false

appeal to ignorance in a sentence

“No one has proven aliens don't exist, so they must exist is an appeal to ignorance.”

Latin appellare to address + ignorantia lack of knowledge from ignorare not to know

Related Words

ad hominem

attacking the person making the argument rather than the argument itself

appeal to authority

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

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