What does the argumentum ad ignorantium fallacy assert?

Prepare for the Praxis English Language Arts Test with our study materials. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready with us!

The argumentum ad ignorantiam fallacy suggests that a lack of evidence for one claim serves as proof that a contrasting claim is true. In this context, it essentially argues that if something cannot be proven false, it must be true, or vice versa. This fallacy relies on ignorance or the absence of knowledge as a basis for deciding the truth of a proposition, which can be misleading because just because something is not demonstrated to be false does not inherently verify the truth of the opposing statement.

By choosing the response that states a lack of evidence confirms a claim as true, one accurately identifies the core principle of this fallacy. It highlights a logical error where insufficient proof is mistaken for affirmative evidence, providing a clear understanding of how reasoning can be improperly constructed based on the failure to disprove something. This understanding is crucial in evaluating arguments and maintaining rigorous standards in logical discourse.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy