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Argument from Ignorance
(argumentum ad ignorantiam)
Definition:
Arguments of this form assume that since something has not
been proven false, it is therefore true. Conversely, such an
argument may assume that since something has not been
proven true, it is therefore false. (This is a special case of a
false dilemma, since it assumes that all propositions must
either be known to be true or known to be false.)
As Davis writes, "Lack of proof is not proof." (p. 59)
Examples:
- Since you cannot prove that ghosts do not exist, they must
exist.
- Since scientists cannot prove that global warming will
occur, it probably won't.
- Fred said that he is smarter than Jill, but he didn't
prove it, so it must be false.
Proof:
Identify the proposition in question. Argue that it may be true
even though we don't know whether it is or isn't.
References:
Copi and Cohen: 93, Davis: 59
13 August 1996
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