Category: Changing the Subject
Definition: The authority in question is not named
Examples:
Proof:
The authority in question is not named. This is a type of appeal to authority because when an authority is not named it is impossible to confirm that the authority is an expert. However the fallacy is so common it deserves special mention. A variation on this fallacy is the appeal to rumour. Because the source of a rumour is typically not known, it is not possible to determine whether to believe the rumour. Very often false and harmful rumours are deliberately started n order to discredit an opponent.
Proof: Argue that because we don't know the source of the information we have no way to evaluate the reliability of the information. (Davis: 73)