Appeal to authority isn’t saying something about the quality of the authority, it’s that the quality of the authority has to be considered. There’s a bit of nuance between the two there.
Basically “because they’re in charge/an expert” isn’t a satisfactory answer on its own anymore than “because I said so” is. The context of their leadership/expertise has to be considered before you make the appeal.
This matters when we enter cultural moments like now where, for instance, a large swath of Americans just by default refuse to accept the CDC/FDA/etc. as legitimate authorities. Their politicians told them they can’t be trusted so they internalize appeals to them as built on a lie.
Appeal to authority isn’t saying something about the quality of the authority, it’s that the quality of the authority has to be considered. There’s a bit of nuance between the two there.
Basically “because they’re in charge/an expert” isn’t a satisfactory answer on its own anymore than “because I said so” is. The context of their leadership/expertise has to be considered before you make the appeal.
This matters when we enter cultural moments like now where, for instance, a large swath of Americans just by default refuse to accept the CDC/FDA/etc. as legitimate authorities. Their politicians told them they can’t be trusted so they internalize appeals to them as built on a lie.
In a way, “because I say so” is appeal to (my) authority
Good point!
Which has to be respected, of course.
Yes Cartman!
Nah.