False Attribution
The false attribution fallacy occurs when an argument appeals to an irrelevant, unqualified, unidentified, biased, or fabricated source to support a claim, thereby weakening the argument's credibility.
THE IDEA
False Attribution
(also known as: argument from false authority [form of])
Description: Appealing to an irrelevant, unqualified, unidentified, biased or fabricated source in support of an argument.
Logical Form:
- Person A claims X because source Y says X.
- Source Y is not credible or relevant.
- Therefore, the argument for X is weak or fallacious.
Example #1: Person A says that it is okay to kill people because Person B, a famous serial killer, said it was okay.
Explanation: Without a credible, verifiable source, the argument or claim being made is very weak. The source (a serial killer) is unqualified to give moral advice.
Example #2: I read in a book from my professor’s library that Jesus was resurrected. It’s a new book that came out recently, and it proves Christianity is true.
Explanation: A reference to “this book” does not let the listener inspect its argument or evidence. Ask for the title, author, and relevant passage. The citation as given does not establish the resurrection claim, but its vagueness does not prove that the book was fabricated or that the claim is false.
Exception: I have a problem with calling an outright lie a “fallacy”, or having someone believe in a lie being guilty of fallacious reasoning. So by my authority, any outright lies are lies, not fallacies. Other authorities may disagree.
Tip: Never falsify facts. If you get caught lying, you will almost certainly lose the argument, even if you are right.
Variation: The argument from false authority is very much the same, but the authority is usually a person or organization rather than an inanimate source of information.
When to use it
In a debate about climate change, citing a study without verifying the authors' expertise or the publication's reputation.
In a legal setting, appealing to a witness who has no relevant knowledge or a history of dishonesty.
In everyday conversation, using an anecdote from a friend as proof for a broad generalization.
In academic writing, referencing a source that is fabricated or misattributed to support a thesis.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Example 1: Murderer's Moral Advice
Person A claims it is okay to kill people because Person B, a famous serial killer, said it was okay. The source is unqualified and the argument is fallacious due to lack of credible authority.
Example 2: Unverifiable Book Claim
Someone argues that Jesus was resurrected because they read it in an unnamed recent book from their professor's library. The reference is too vague to inspect, leaving the claim unsupported by the citation as supplied.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a time you accepted a claim based on a source you later realized was unreliable. What made you initially trust it?
How can you check the credibility of a source before using it in an argument?
Why is it important to distinguish between a lie and a fallacy when evaluating an argument?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies