A+Student


 * 1)  The name of the fallacy & all similar names for the fallacy.
 * 2)  A specific definition of the fallacy that explains it in clear language.
 * 3)  Reasons why people would use the fallacy in speaking.
 * 4)  3 or more examples from life of people using the fallacy.
 * 5)  Explanation of how each example represents a fallacy.

**Appeal to Authority** (ad verecundiam, arguing from authority) - an appeal to authority attempts to prove a statement by the speaker claiming to have authority or citing an authority to lead the listener to believe that the statement is true. **People use this fallacy for several reasons:** 1) they want their idea to be accepted without question. 2) they believe that either they have the authority or they trust their source as an authority. 3) commercials use appeal to authority frequently to convince buyers that they are getting a superior product.   **Examples:**
 * 1) Dentists recommend this toothpaste as the best for your teeth. (Dentists are an authority, but their recommendation is not a given about the toothpaste & it is unlikely that all dentists made this recommendation.)
 * 2) The story about the flying saucer is true because I read it in the New York Times. (The NYT is a reliable source, but it has made mistakes in the past and is not infallable.)
 * 3) Student: "Why do I have to do this?" Teacher: "Because I said to do it. It will help your education." (The teacher expects the student to follow the instructions without questioning the teacher's expertise and authority, rather than explaining the purpose.

The Home Depot representative recommended a specific type of window for his house, saying that they are the most reliable and have won several awards for their energy-efficiency.
 * Practice for audience: **