Appeal to Ignorance

What is the “appeal to ignorance” logical fallacy?

• Claiming an argument is true because there is no evidence disproving it

• Arguing despite not knowing the subject well

• Refusing to argue due to lack of knowledge

• Choosing to remain ignorant despite a topics significance

Why does the reincarnation theory fall victim to this fallacy?

• Reincarnation was proven to exist

• Reincarnation was a disproven theory

• People are too scared to do research into the afterlife

• no evidence disproving nor proving its existence only anecdotes/religion

Why do the videos of paranormal activities not definitively prove the existence of the paranormal?

• The paranormal does not exist

• Some videos do prove the existence of the paranormal

• Countless explanations such as video editing and practical effects

• The videos do prove their existence

If it is not proven nor disproven that men simply excel in certain fields more than women, why might the pay gap exist?

• Women have not worked long enough to make the same wage as men

• Factors such as age, race, children, and pregnancy risk

• Men excel in fields like agriculture, construction, and finance

• The pay gap does not exist

What is an example of an appeal to ignorance?

• I don’t know much about this topic so you are probably right.

• The gender pay gap

• “My house is stronger than yours because I cannot see your foundation.”

• “I measured my hand and it is exactly one hand long”

Could the Russians have been stealing microwaves?

• Potentially. There is no evidence for or against the theory.

• No, the Russians have no involvement in US microwave affairs

• The Russians absolutely stole that lady’s microwaves.

• Probably not

What was the argument in the Star Trek video?

• The Australian dollar has my face on it.

• They will never find a cure for the common cold.

• Covid is a fluke.

• Aliens do not exist.

What is another name for appeal to ignorance?

• Ad Hominem

• Ad Ignoramus

• Ad Ignorantiam

• Ad Ville

Why could or could not there be a teapot in space?

• There IS a teapot there.

• Schrödinger’s teapot

• There ISN’T a teapot in space.

• Arguing either side would be an appeal to ignorance because there is no evidence supporting either side.

Was the lowest average pay of a man equal to the highest average pay of a woman according to the graphs?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

• Why would I know