Answer :
An Authority Fallacy occurs when someone's expertise or authority in one area is used to make claims or assertions in an unrelated or different field, without proper evidence or support. Let's look at the examples provided to identify instances of Authority Fallacy:
1. The accountant at my law firm says that within the next 90 days, the president will be impeached.
- In this case, the accountant's expertise in accounting does not qualify them to predict political events like impeachment. This is an example of an Authority Fallacy.
2. My dentist, Dr. Thomas, says it's easier to weave a basket once the reed has been soaked in warm water.
- Here, Dr. Thomas is providing advice on basket-weaving based on dental expertise, which is not relevant. This is another instance of an Authority Fallacy.
3. Principal Owen says the graduation rate at Highland is 98% because of student attendance.
- Principal Owen's authority as a school principal does relate to graduation rates and student attendance, so this statement does not represent an Authority Fallacy.
4. Dr. Dean, a psychologist with a popular podcast, says that mocha-frappe-latte-chinos are the "fountain of youth."
- Dr. Dean's expertise in psychology does not make him an authority on the health benefits of drinks like mocha-frappe-latte-chinos. This is an example of an Authority Fallacy.
Therefore, the examples of Authority Fallacy in the given list are:
- The accountant predicting the president's impeachment.
- Dr. Thomas giving basket-weaving advice.
- Dr. Dean claiming the drink is the "fountain of youth."
1. The accountant at my law firm says that within the next 90 days, the president will be impeached.
- In this case, the accountant's expertise in accounting does not qualify them to predict political events like impeachment. This is an example of an Authority Fallacy.
2. My dentist, Dr. Thomas, says it's easier to weave a basket once the reed has been soaked in warm water.
- Here, Dr. Thomas is providing advice on basket-weaving based on dental expertise, which is not relevant. This is another instance of an Authority Fallacy.
3. Principal Owen says the graduation rate at Highland is 98% because of student attendance.
- Principal Owen's authority as a school principal does relate to graduation rates and student attendance, so this statement does not represent an Authority Fallacy.
4. Dr. Dean, a psychologist with a popular podcast, says that mocha-frappe-latte-chinos are the "fountain of youth."
- Dr. Dean's expertise in psychology does not make him an authority on the health benefits of drinks like mocha-frappe-latte-chinos. This is an example of an Authority Fallacy.
Therefore, the examples of Authority Fallacy in the given list are:
- The accountant predicting the president's impeachment.
- Dr. Thomas giving basket-weaving advice.
- Dr. Dean claiming the drink is the "fountain of youth."
