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An '''appeal to authority''' is a [[Logical_fallacy#Proof_by_authority|logical fallacy]] used most often in a political context. It is rarely seen in a scientific context, because editors and peer reviewers of journal articles routinely vet for such errors. However, in discussions of public policy issues, the appeal to authority is one of the most common rhetorical tricks in use.

An '''appeal to authority''' is an informal [[Logical_fallacy#Proof_by_authority|logical fallacy]]. It can be defined as the attempt to justify one's argument by referring to an "authoritative source" who holds the same belief as the arguer.  These sources often include (but are not limited to) political figures, [[scientists]], [[philosophers]], and texts. It is rarely seen in academic debate, as editors and peer reviewers of journal articles routinely vet for such errors. However, in discussions of public policy issues as well as everyday human [[discourse]], the appeal to authority is one of the most common rhetorical tricks.

[[Category:Logic]]

[[Category:Logic]]