Linking to authority

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Cogito ergo sum Logic and rhetoric

Key articles

Logical fallacy Syllogism Argument

General logic

Problem of evil Russell's paradox Equivocation Fallacy of ambiguity Loaded question Appeal to the minority

Bad logic

Poisoning the well Not as bad as Self-refuting idea Jonanism Continuum fallacy Countless counterfeits fallacy v - t - e

Linking to authority describes a form of deceit people use online and in print. If a person uses a link as a reference to any claim, it appears to have authority backing it. In the form of books, these come as footnotes or endnotes that reference another print or online source.

However, following the links or reading the referenced material often reveals the deceitful nature of the claim. Sometimes a quote has been mined, sometimes the linked article has little to do with the claim, or even sometimes argues the exact opposite point that the claim makes.

Playing on the notion that few of their followers will bother checking their work, or reading the referenced pieces, this form of deceit gives the author an aura of respect and their claim weight where none exists. You know where the best examples are.

See also

• Appeal to authority

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