Definition
A claim is supported primarily by who endorses it rather than by evidence, and the authority is outside their domain or no evidence is cited where evidence is expected.
Reasoning methodology
Appeal to authority (improper)
Using endorsement as evidence when the authority is not enough.
Detection criteria
Requires authority-as-evidence plus domain mismatch or missing supporting evidence.
Genuine instances
- A celebrity says the treatment works, so the article presents it as proven.
Common false positives
- A specialist explains findings and cites the underlying study.