Bare assertion fallacy:
Definition | Example |
When a premise is introduced as a conclusion without substantiation. | My father Is 3 meters tall. Your father is only 1.5 meters tall. Therefore my father is taller than your father. |
Also known as: ipse-dixitism | |
Notes | |
This fallacy is often accompanied by a phrase such as “Trust me.” It might be considered a self-referential appeal to authority. A more rigorous and constrained discussion might allow you to ask “What is your evidence for that claim?” However, when bare assertions are constantly thrown out as red herrings, it may be best to abandon any hope of real dialogue.
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Case Study One
Many economic or political arguments begin with bare assertions such as “The economy can’t grow without tax breaks, so we need to…”
Case Study Two
Some religious proponents claim that their particular version of god is known to all, and then simply tell those that don’t believe in their god that they are rebelling against this god that they “know” exists.
Keep in mind that a fallacious argument does not entail an erroneous position.
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