argument of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "argument of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions or writings that involve reasoning or justifying a claim based on the credibility of the source rather than the evidence itself. Example: "While the argument of authority can lend weight to a claim, it is essential to evaluate the evidence supporting it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A detailed analysis of such arguments would require a whole treatise; the best known, however, are arguments by example, by analogy, by the consequences, a pari (arguing from similar propositions), a fortiori (arguing from an accepted conclusion to an even more evident one), a contrario (arguing from an accepted conclusion to the rejection of its contrary), and the argument of authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For example, in the 1970s, the argument for authority of Scripture came up with the ordination of women -- and so, too, did the threat of a schism.

Huffington Post

The court overruled the argument of Dutch authorities that the men seeking asylum could "exercise restraint" and hide their sexuality to avoid persecution.

Los Angeles Times

There are two narrative resources which have become recurring arguments of irrefutable authority in many reflections on education.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

According to those who press this line of argument, our authority over our own actions would not be illusory even if our mode of exercising it were causally determined by events or states of affairs over which we have no control.

SEP

At the heart of his re-election campaign is an argument for further decentralisation of authority from central government to Bangkok, and, he hopes, to other big cities as well.

The Economist

The consortium lost in the district court in 1998 and the next year in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which rejected the argument that the exercise of authority over isolated, intrastate waters exceeded Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce.

The New York Times

Summarize your argument with some degree of authority; this paragraph should leave your reader with no doubt as to your position or conclusion of logic.

WikiHow

In line with the arguments of such authorities as R.D. Martin and K.C. Beard, the (predominantly Paleocene) Plesiadapiformes (or Paromomyiformes) are not, here, regarded as Primates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Be careful when arguing with people of authority, such as bosses, teachers, etc. Avoid profanity while making an argument.

WikiHow

In his opinion for the Supreme Court yesterday, Justice Antonin Scalia briskly disposed of this argument by asserting that the delegation of authority had been no greater than delegations to other administrative agencies that the court had upheld over the years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the "argument of authority", ensure the cited authority is genuinely recognized and respected within the relevant field to strengthen your position.

Common error

Avoid using the "argument of authority" as your sole basis; always supplement it with logical reasoning and factual evidence to create a more robust and persuasive case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "argument of authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of reasoning or rhetorical strategy. As Ludwig AI indicates, this involves justifying a claim based on the credibility of the source rather than direct evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Science

23%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "argument of authority" refers to a type of reasoning where a claim is justified based on the credibility of an authority figure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While effective, it's crucial to supplement this argument with logical reasoning and factual evidence. Common contexts for this phrase include news media, academic writing, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Alternative phrases like "appeal to authority" or "authoritative argument" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember to use the "argument of authority" judiciously to strengthen your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeal to authority

Focuses on the act of citing an authority rather than the structure of the argument itself.

authoritative argument

Emphasizes the argument's strength and reliability due to its source.

argument from expertise

Highlights the expert knowledge underlying the argument.

reasoning from authority

Specifies that the argument is a type of reasoning process.

claim based on authority

Highlights that the argument is presented as a claim or assertion.

authoritative justification

Indicates that something is being justified using an authority figure.

power-based argument

Connects the argument to the power or position of the authority.

influence by authority

Focuses on the effect the authority has on persuading or convincing others.

expert's opinion

Highlights that the argument is sourced from an expert.

argument by credential

Implies the argument relies heavily on the credentials of the authority figure.

FAQs

What is the definition of "argument of authority"?

The "argument of authority" is a form of argumentation where a claim is considered true because an authority or expert said it was. It's also known as an appeal to authority, but should be used carefully.

When is it appropriate to use the "argument of authority"?

It's appropriate when the authority is a legitimate expert in the relevant field and their expertise is directly related to the claim. However, it shouldn't be the only basis for the argument.

What are some potential weaknesses of relying on the "argument of authority"?

Authorities can be wrong, biased, or their expertise may not be relevant to the specific claim. It's crucial to critically evaluate the evidence and reasoning behind the authority's statement.

How can I make my argument stronger when using an "argument of authority"?

Support the authority's statement with additional evidence, logical reasoning, and consider potential counterarguments. Use alternatives such as "authoritative argument" or "argument from expertise" to emphasize the strength of your position.