Argument from Ignorance

Description

Nothing is known about A. Yet a conclusion is drawn about A.

Facts may be given all around a particular subject, yet nothing specific is said about the subject. Based on this circumstantial evidence, it is assumed that something may be known about A.

A variant occurs where a lack of evidence is assumed to be proof, for example when a murder suspect does not have an alibi.

Discussion

Circumstantial evidence is well known in the courtroom as being very weak evidence, if evidence at all. Yet in daily life it is used with impunity. Yet the notion of a person being innocent until proven guilty also makes conclusions without proof. Similarly, scientists largely assume something does not exist until it is proven (see Positivism).

A significant question with this is where the burden of proof lies. Is it with the prosecutor or the defendant? Usually it is with the person making a claim that something exists or has happened.

Classification

Also known as

Appeal to Ignorance, Burden of Proof, From Ignorance, Ad Ignorantium

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Argument from Ignorance

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