The Authority Fallacy | Idea Channel | PBS Digital Studios

Summary

This video addresses the authority fallacy, explaining how relying on the opinion of someone without relevant expertise can undermine an argument. It distinguishes between actual experts, like scientists and researchers, whose conclusions are based on evidence, and non-expert anecdotes, which do not constitute valid proof. Through an example of a conversation about car manufacturing, the video highlights that personal accounts, even from knowledgeable individuals, don't equal authority unless backed by expertise. The goal is to help viewers make stronger arguments by avoiding reliance on misplaced authority.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The video addresses concerns about the use of fallacies, specifically the authority fallacy, in arguments.
• 📜 The authority fallacy occurs when someone assumes something is true simply because a person in a position of authority said it.
• ⚠️ This fallacy applies to people who are not actual experts in the field they are discussing.
• 🌍 The authority fallacy is different from relying on scientific consensus or expert opinion, which are valid forms of authority.
• 🌡️ For instance, saying that global warming is real based on the consensus of climate scientists is not an authority fallacy.
• 🔬 Another example is citing Lundy Braun's research on spirometers; expert studies like these do not fall under the authority fallacy.
• 👨‍🔧 Personal anecdotes from non-experts, like a family member’s opinion on a specialized subject, do not hold the same weight as expert research.
• 🚗 An example given is someone using their uncle’s opinion about car manufacturing as a fact, even though the uncle is not an expert in that specific field.
• 📊 The fallacy trades solid arguments for non-expert opinions, which are not equivalent to data.
• 👍 The takeaway is that while personal accounts can be valuable, arguments should be based on facts and expertise rather than unqualified authority.

Q & A

What is the authority fallacy?

The authority fallacy occurs when someone assumes that a statement is true simply because it comes from someone in a position of assumed authority, even if that authority is not relevant to the topic at hand.

Why does the authority fallacy not apply to experts or scientific consensus?

The authority fallacy does not apply to experts or scientific consensus because these individuals or groups possess legitimate knowledge and expertise in their fields, making their statements credible and based on evidence.

What is an example of an authority fallacy?

An example of an authority fallacy is when someone claims that Korean cars in America are cheap and unsafe because their uncle, a mechanical engineer, said so. The uncle may not have the expertise to make authoritative claims about the safety of Korean cars.

How does the authority fallacy trade actual points for non-expert anecdotes?

The authority fallacy substitutes factual, evidence-based arguments with personal stories or opinions from non-experts, such as family members or friends, which do not hold the same credibility as data or expert analysis.

Can firsthand accounts from non-experts be considered authority?

No, firsthand accounts from non-experts are not considered authoritative unless the person providing the account has relevant expertise or has conducted credible research in the field.

Why is citing scientific consensus about global warming not an authority fallacy?

Citing scientific consensus on global warming is not an authority fallacy because the vast majority of scientists who study the subject provide evidence supporting the claim, making their authority relevant and credible.

What role does expertise play in avoiding the authority fallacy?

Expertise is crucial in avoiding the authority fallacy, as claims made by individuals with relevant qualifications or research in the field are backed by knowledge and evidence, rather than mere opinion.

Why does the authority fallacy fail when applied to non-experts like Straw Mike's uncle?

Straw Mike's uncle may be an engineer, but if he hasn’t conducted research or doesn’t have specific knowledge of automobile manufacturing, his opinion lacks the authority to make credible claims about car safety.

What is the difference between anecdotal evidence and data in the context of the authority fallacy?

Anecdotal evidence is based on personal experiences or stories, while data is collected and analyzed through research. The authority fallacy arises when anecdotes are treated as factual data, which they are not.

What is the key message of the transcript regarding arguing effectively?

The key message is that relying on non-expert opinions weakens an argument, and it's better to use evidence-based claims or rely on experts with relevant knowledge to strengthen your case.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Introduction to the Authority Fallacy

The video begins by addressing internet commenters who may have used faulty reasoning in their arguments. The speaker suggests that the viewer might have committed the 'authority fallacy,' which undermines their argument. This fallacy occurs when someone assumes that a statement is true simply because an authority figure said it, regardless of the person's actual expertise.

💡 Clarifying the Authority Fallacy

The authority fallacy does not apply to claims made by genuine experts or established scientific consensus. For instance, acknowledging climate change based on the majority opinion of scientists who research it is not an example of this fallacy. The fallacy only applies when non-experts' statements are treated as authoritative without valid evidence.

📚 Examples of Valid Authority

The speaker gives an example involving medical technology research conducted by Lundy Braun. They emphasize that experts in a given field can provide legitimate authority on topics they have extensively studied. Therefore, valid authority comes from recognized expertise, such as researchers or scientific consensus, not casual opinions.

👨‍🔧 Misapplication of Authority in Everyday Conversations

In an example involving two people, Mike and Straw Mike, the authority fallacy is illustrated. Straw Mike claims that Korean cars are cheap and unsafe based on his uncle's opinion, who is an engineer. However, despite the uncle's engineering background, he is not necessarily an expert on automobile manufacturing safety, making this an example of an authority fallacy.

🧐 Why Personal Anecdotes Aren’t Data

The speaker explains that firsthand anecdotes from friends or family members do not qualify as legitimate authority unless those people are experts in the relevant field. They highlight that personal stories or opinions, no matter how convincing, cannot substitute for actual data or research.

🏁 Final Thoughts on the Authority Fallacy

The video wraps up by reminding viewers that using non-expert opinions in arguments weakens their claims. The speaker encourages the commenter to argue their point without relying on unqualified authority figures, hoping the explanation of the authority fallacy will improve the quality of their discussions.

Keywords

💡Authority Fallacy

The authority fallacy occurs when someone assumes a statement is true simply because it comes from someone in a position of authority, regardless of their expertise in the subject. In the video, this fallacy is described as using the authority of non-experts, like a family member or friend, to validate a claim. For instance, relying on 'Straw Mike's' uncle's opinion about car manufacturing without verifying his expertise in that specific field is an example of this fallacy.

💡Expert

An expert is someone who has specialized knowledge or skills in a particular field, often gained through education or experience. The video emphasizes that the authority fallacy does not apply when statements are made by experts or when there is scientific consensus. For example, saying that global warming is real based on scientific evidence from climate experts is not a misuse of authority.

💡Scientific Consensus

Scientific consensus refers to the collective agreement among scientists about a particular issue, typically after extensive research and peer review. In the video, the speaker points out that using scientific consensus to support a claim, such as man-made global warming, is valid and not an example of the authority fallacy.

💡Peer-Reviewed Study

A peer-reviewed study is research that has been evaluated by other experts in the field to ensure it meets the necessary standards of quality and reliability. The video mentions that if 'Straw Mike's' uncle had conducted a peer-reviewed study on automobile safety, his opinion would carry more weight. This contrasts with relying on anecdotal evidence from someone without verified expertise.

💡Anecdote

An anecdote is a personal story or experience shared to illustrate a point. The video highlights that relying on anecdotes from non-experts, such as family members or coworkers, does not constitute reliable evidence. This is important in understanding the authority fallacy, which often occurs when personal stories are mistakenly taken as truth without proper expertise to back them up.

💡Non-Expert

A non-expert is someone who lacks specialized knowledge or qualifications in a particular subject. In the video, the speaker cautions against accepting claims from non-experts as truth, as they do not have the authority to speak on matters outside their expertise. For instance, 'Straw Mike's' uncle, a mechanical engineer, may not be qualified to discuss the intricacies of automobile safety unless he has specific experience in that area.

💡Lundy Braun

Lundy Braun is mentioned in the video as an authority on the topic of race and medical technology, based on her extensive research. Her expertise is used to explain that stating medical technology is blind to race based on her studies is not an example of the authority fallacy, because her statements are grounded in thorough, peer-reviewed research.

💡Global Warming

Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to human activities, such as the emission of greenhouse gases. The video uses global warming as an example of how citing scientific consensus from experts is valid and not an authority fallacy, as the claim is backed by substantial evidence from climate scientists.

💡Plural of Anecdote is not Data

This phrase is used in the video to explain that multiple anecdotes, or personal stories, do not add up to objective evidence. The speaker emphasizes that even if many people share similar non-expert opinions, it does not equate to reliable data, a key point in understanding the authority fallacy.

💡Mechanical Engineer

A mechanical engineer is someone trained in the principles of engineering to design and build machines. In the video, 'Straw Mike's' uncle is identified as a mechanical engineer, but his authority in this field is questioned because his expertise does not necessarily extend to automobile safety. This illustrates the misuse of authority when non-experts speak outside their domain.

Highlights

The video addresses the concern of a viewer possibly using an authority fallacy in their argument.

The authority fallacy occurs when someone believes a claim is true just because an authority figure said it.

The video emphasizes that the authority fallacy does not apply to experts or scientific consensus.

Global warming is cited as an example where scientific consensus does not represent an authority fallacy.

The authority fallacy applies when non-experts, like friends or family members, are used as sources of truth.

An example is given with Straw Mike's uncle, a mechanical engineer, making claims about Korean cars without sufficient expertise in that field.

The video explains that just because someone holds a degree or a title does not make them an expert in all subjects.

Straw Mike’s uncle would need to have specific research or expertise in automobile manufacturing to avoid committing an authority fallacy.

The video highlights that personal anecdotes from non-experts do not equate to data.

The authority fallacy trades actual logical arguments for external anecdotes from non-experts.

The plural of anecdotes is not data, reinforcing the distinction between individual opinions and scientific evidence.

The video encourages viewers to rely on data and avoid using family or personal connections as proof in arguments.

A humorous tone is maintained throughout, suggesting viewers can win arguments without relying on family members' opinions.

The explanation concludes by reiterating that experts and scientists are valid authorities in their fields.

The video aims to promote better argumentation by recognizing and avoiding logical fallacies, particularly the authority fallacy.

Transcripts

Hi there, internet commenter.

You've been sent a link to this video

because someone is concerned that you might not

be arguing your case to your utmost ability.

They're concerned you might have used a fallacy

to make an important point, thus defeating your own claim.

The fallacy they're concerned you might have used

is the authority fallacy.

The authority fallacy holds that because someone

in a position of assumed authority has said something,

that thing must be true.

However, the authority fallacy is just as important for what

it isn't.

It isn't meant to defeat statements made by experts

or by scientific consensus.

Saying that global warming is true and man-made

because the vast majority of scientists

that study it produce evidence that support this claim

is not an example of the authority fallacy.

Neither is stating, for instance,

that all medical technology is blind to race

based on Lundy Braun's exhaustive research

of the spirometer.

The scientific community and experts in their field of study

are authorities.

The authority fallacy applies this level

of respect for authority to people

who don't actually possess it.

The firsthand accounts of our friends, family members,

and coworkers do not constitute authority and therefore truth,

unless, of course, they also happen to be experts.

For example, Mike and Straw Mike are talking

about automobile manufacturing.

Whoa, Korean cars in America are so cheap.

I wonder how they do that.

Well, my uncle is a mechanical engineer.

And he says that it's because they use terrible, cheap parts.

You're literally trading money for safety.

Straw Mike's Uncle might be an engineer, and that's awesome.

But it doesn't necessarily give him the authority

to talk about the construction of certain parts in vehicles.

This is an authority fallacy, unless it turns out

Straw Mike's uncle is an independent researcher

conducting a peer-reviewed study on the international automobile

industry and its effects on safety.

The authority fallacy trades actual points

for external non-expert anecdotes,

the plural of which you might have heard is not data.

Your uncle seems like a really cool guy,

but I bet you can win this argument without him.

I hope this description of the authority fallacy

has been helpful.

Happy conversing.