Fallacy in which a proposition is held to be true just because it has not been…
2022
Fallacy in which a proposition is held to be true just because it has not been proved false, or false just because it has not been proved true is called:
Answer: C. Argument from Ignorance — ConceptA fallacy is a recurring error in reasoning. The argument from ignorance treats the absence of proof against a claim as proof for it, or the absence of…
- A.
Fallacy of Composition
- B.
Irrelevant Conclusion
- C.
Argument from Ignorance
- D.
Hasty Generalization
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
A fallacy is a recurring error in reasoning.
The argument from ignorance treats the absence of proof against a claim as proof for it, or the absence of proof for a claim as proof against it; a lack of evidence is substituted for positive evidence.
Application
The stem describes exactly this reversal of the burden of proof: a proposition is accepted merely because it has not been disproved, or rejected merely because it has not been proved. Therefore, the named fallacy is Argument from Ignorance.
Contrast
Fallacy of Composition transfers a property of individual parts to the whole without adequate justification.
Irrelevant Conclusion presents reasoning that supports a conclusion different from the one at issue.
Hasty Generalization draws a broad conclusion from an insufficient or unrepresentative sample.
Result: Argument from Ignorance.