Appeal to Ignorance
Spot the Fallacy Team
Team Content
An appeal to ignorance claims something is true because it has not been proven false (or vice versa).
An appeal to ignorance claims something is true because it has not been proven false (or vice versa).
Why it is a fallacy
A claim needs evidence that connects the reasons to the conclusion. This fallacy skips that connection or replaces it with a shortcut.
Examples
- No one has disproved it, so it must be true.
- There is no evidence against it, therefore it is safe.
- You can't prove it's wrong, so I win.
How to respond
- Point out that lack of disproof is not proof.
- Ask for positive evidence for the claim.
- Clarify who carries the burden of proof.
Related fallacies
FAQ
Who has the burden of proof?
The person making the claim is responsible for providing evidence.
Is absence of evidence ever evidence?
Only when evidence would be expected if the claim were true.
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fallacies)
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Logic and Critical Thinking)
- Nizkor Project (Fallacies)