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Don't they teach in logic classes that appeals to authority are an invalid form of logic? If we don't trust authorities, in the world of the internet where any

• wsy 9y ago
  If we don't trust anybody, it leaves us nowhere. We will not be able to judge any statement made by anyone, except when we were eye witness ourselves. That would be a very sad state. Logic is a valuable academic exercise, but also leaves you nowhere if the situation to assess becomes slightly complex.
• matt4077 9y ago
  Maybe logic classes are sometimes wrong?at the very least, invoking them is itself an appeal to authority. You cannot start evaluating each and every statement from first principle. Example: if your spouse asks you to give them your car keys, you are more likely to comply than when a stranger makes the same request. That’s because you trust them, and because they have a lot to lose by betraying that trust. It’s no different with media outlets, the EFF, your doctor, and many other institutions. It’s insane to pretend that you’re never trusting some authority: every time you log into your email provider or bank, you’re trusting them with information and money, based on your knowledge of their past behavior, and your understanding of their respective incentive structures.