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Argument From Authority
Brandon condiff
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Argument From Authority
Establishing authority over a subject or someone to make it appear like that person is right on the topic. If person A says it, than person A must be correct because they know a lot about the topic.
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Universal Example Person A tells Person B that squirrels are the descendants of ancient whales, Person B believes this must be true considering that Person A has a college degree in paleontology. This argument is completely invalid, but the belief in Person A’s education would make the claim seem correct to anyone who didn’t know any better. The reality of the claim doesn’t follow the credibility of the source.
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Example #1 Danforth, Page 210, Act 3
“ And you know that near to 400 are in jails from Marblehead to Lynn, upon my signature? Danforth is trying to establish authority by claiming he has the power to jail 400 other people in different cities, making her case seem insufficient to his power.
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Example #2 Giles Vs. Danforth, Page 214, Act 3
Danforth- “You will surely tell us the name.” Giles- “I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wifes name once and I will burn in hell long enough for that.” Danforth- ”In that case, I have no choice but to arrest you for contempt of this court, do you know that?” Danforth has the ability to arrest anyone who wont give a name, even if they don’t have a name to give. There is no evidence against Giles but Danforth attempts to make him comply with his own needs and get a name in some way with the threat of being taken to jail.
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Social example In the Salem witch trials, women were most likely to be blamed for witchcraft, they often work as servants and townsmen and have few options in life. Abigail was also a victim, to the much older, John Proctors sexual desires. Abagail was afraid of her sins and defying god, and that caused her to tell lies to blame others to gain her own immunity.
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References http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/crucible/themes.html
from-authority-or-lack-thereof/
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