Hi! Could you tell me what this means? I have a question on my homework with this word in it and I was wondering what it meant. If someone could let me know ASAP, that'd be great. Although, if you're working on another question, take your time.
My question is:
What does make an appeal to authority mean?
Thanks so much! Have a good day!
Which word confuses you? Authority?
http://www.bing.com/search?q=authority+-+noun+def&go=Search&qs=ds&form=QBRE
When you encounter a new word or one you're not sure of, look it up. It's easy. You can type the word into your web browser followed by the abbreviation "def" or the word "definition" and several dictionaries will come up. You can also go to a specific dictionary such as:
http://www.mirriam-webster.com
or
http://dictionary.com/browse/authority
or whatever word you want to look up.
Thanks!
You are very welcome. :)
Hi! I'd be happy to help you with your question.
To understand the meaning of "make an appeal to authority," let's break it down.
1. Appeal: In this context, "appeal" refers to making a request, presenting an argument, or seeking support for a particular viewpoint or claim. It means trying to convince someone of the validity or correctness of a statement.
2. Authority: An "authority" is someone who has expertise, knowledge, or credibility in a specific field or subject. They are considered to be reliable and trustworthy in their area of expertise.
Now, when we combine these two words, "make an appeal to authority" means presenting an argument or supporting a claim by referring to the opinion, expertise, or credibility of someone considered to be an authority in that particular field or subject.
In academic writing or logical reasoning, making an appeal to authority is a common rhetorical strategy. It involves using the opinions or statements of experts, researchers, scholars, or other authoritative figures to enhance the credibility and persuasiveness of an argument or claim.
For example, if you are writing an essay about climate change, you might include information from reputable scientists who have conducted extensive research on the topic. By citing their expertise and findings, you strengthen your argument and make it more convincing.
However, it is important to note that while appeals to authority can be helpful in supporting an argument, they should not be relied upon as the sole basis for making a claim. It is always recommended to critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of the authority being cited.
I hope this helps! If you have any further questions or need clarification, please feel free to ask.