Question

Which informal fallacy occurs when the 'cited authority' falls short of credibility?

• A. The Argument against the Person
• B. Begging the Question
• C. An Appeal to Inappropriate Authority
• D. Fallacy of Converse Accident

Hint:

An appeal to inappropriate authority undermines the argument by citing an unreliable or irrelevant source as proof of a claim.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Identifying the Fallacy of Inappropriate Authority.
This fallacy arises when an argument cites an authority who lacks credibility or relevance to the subject. It's also termed "appeal to false authority." An argument is invalid if the referenced authority is not an expert in the specific field.
Step 2: Examining the Choices.
- 1. Argument against the Person: This is an ad hominem fallacy, attacking the individual rather than the argument.
- 2. Begging the Question: This fallacy occurs when an argument's premise presumes the conclusion's truth.
- 3. Appeal to Inappropriate Authority: This is correct. It's the fallacy of basing an argument on an authority unqualified to discuss the topic.
- 4. Fallacy of Converse Accident: This involves generalizing from an exceptional case, unrelated to authority issues.

Step 3: Determining the Outcome.
The correct choice is 3. Appeal to Inappropriate Authority.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The correct answer is 3. An Appeal to Inappropriate Authority.}} \]