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False appeal to authority
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As a writer, you want to ensure that your readers will follow your arguments easily and find them convincing. To build sound arguments, you need to be aware of common errors (or fallacies) in logic and be careful to avoid them. There are many types of logical fallacies. In this article, we'll look at a false appeal to authority.
In this error in logic, in support of his or her conclusion, the writer quotes a recognized expert or celebrity—but on a topic outside of that person's area of expertise. Beware—a lot of advertising relies on this strategy!
One interesting example involved an actor who played a doctor on a popular television series. He then appeared in television commercials praising the health benefits of a particular product. Sales of this product increased significantly—possibly because viewers thought he was a credible spokesperson, on the basis of his role as a doctor. But playing a doctor on a television series does not qualify anyone to make health claims!
Another example:
It is unnecessary to examine the information in any depth since this well-known international organization is supporting the project.
[Does the international organization have expertise in this area? If not, this argument is a false appeal to authority.]
