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> by means of questioning his authority Not authority; credibility. It's a nitpick, but the distinction is important when we're discussing government agents. C
by saraid216 13y ago
> by means of questioning his authority
Not authority; credibility. It's a nitpick, but the distinction is important when we're discussing government agents. Credibility is essentially rhetorical authority ("I am willing to take your word because I consider you an expert in the relevant domain"), rather than the kind of authority derived from official bestowment of power.
- graeme 13y agoAuthority is also the right word: Authority: 3. • a person with extensive or specialized knowledge about a subject; an expert: she was an authority on the stock market. From the Oxford American Dictionary It's this meaning of the word authority used in Appeal to Authority: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_from_authority http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_from_authority
- saraid216 13y agoRight. That's what rhetorical authority is. But we're talking about this guy named Stewart Baker, who just so happens to have authority as a senior officer of the executive branch of the United States Government. This is also a type of authority. It is not the relevant type of authority when discussing whether or not a statement is an ad hominem.
- cheald 13y agoYou're right - that's a much better word. I think the sentiment remains the same though.