Burden of Proof Fallacy
Spot the Fallacy Team
Team Content
The burden of proof fallacy shifts the responsibility to disprove a claim instead of proving it.
The burden of proof fallacy shifts the responsibility to disprove a claim instead of proving it.
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
- Prove that my claim is false or it stands.
- You can't disprove it, so it is true.
- Unless you can show me I'm wrong, I'm right.
How to respond
- Clarify that the claimant must provide evidence.
- Ask for positive support for the claim.
- Point out that doubt alone does not equal proof.
Related fallacies
FAQ
Who carries the burden of proof?
The person making the claim is responsible for supporting it.
Can the burden shift?
Only after sufficient evidence is provided and a rebuttal is needed.
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fallacies)
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Logic and Critical Thinking)
- Nizkor Project (Fallacies)