This fallacy occurs when someone claims that a statement is true simply because it has not been proven false, or that it is false because it has not been proven true.
Definition:
An appeal to ignorance is a reasoning error in which the absence of evidence, or the inability to disprove a claim, is wrongly used as proof of the claim’s truth (or, conversely, its falsity). In this fallacy, the burden of proof is unfairly placed on the other party, and it is assumed that in the absence of evidence, the conclusion desired by the speaker should be accepted.
Typical structure of this fallacy:
1. No one has yet proved that “A” is false.
2. Therefore, “A” is true.
Or:
3. No one has yet proved that “A” is true.
4. Therefore, “A” is false.
Examples from real life:
1. Philosophy and religion:
“No one has disproved the existence of spirits, so spirits must exist.”
Here, it should be noted that the absence of definitive disproof does not constitute proof of existence.
2. Science:
“No one has proven that this medicine is harmful, so it must be safe to use.”
Here, it should be noted that the absence of evidence of harm is not the same as certain safety, and proper research is needed.
3. Politics:
“No evidence of this official’s corruption has been found, so they must be completely honest.”
Here, it should be noted that the absence of evidence does not necessarily mean the absence of corruption.
4. Everyday life:
“No one has said that this restaurant is bad, so it must be excellent.”
Here, it should be noted that silence or the absence of criticism is not, in itself, a measure of quality.
Why is this fallacy dangerous?
● It unfairly shifts the burden of proof onto others.
● It leads to the acceptance of claims without sufficient evidence.
● It can be used to legitimise false or superstitious beliefs.
How can we recognise and respond to it?
Ask:
– Is there positive and reliable evidence to prove this claim?
– Does the absence of evidence prove the claim, or does it simply mean “unknown”?
A suitable response might be: “Just because this claim hasn’t been disproved doesn’t mean it’s true. Let’s find independent evidence.”
Conclusion:
The appeal to ignorance fallacy, by misusing the absence of evidence, leads to invalid conclusions. To avoid it, one must distinguish between “absence of evidence,” or “lack of access to evidence,” and “evidence of absence,” and base decisions on positive and reliable evidence.