FALLACY APPEAL TO IGNORANCE

Short definition

No evidence is given, so we can believe otherwise

Long Definition

Since we can't prove something is true then we are entitled to believe it is false; or vice-versa

form It’s not proven, thus it is false

Universal Example

Example from the crucible

• Act III page 77

• Martha Corey's voice: “I am innocent to a witch I know not what a witch is.”

• Hathorne: “How do you know, then, that you are not a witch.”

Explanation• Explanation: Martha Corey is

someone who doesn’t know what a witch is, she has no evidence to support that she is not a witch. Therefore, Hathorne says she might be a witch.

Example 2 from the crucible• Act III page 103

• Danforth: “You deny every scrap and title of this?”

• Abigail: “If I must answer that, sir, I will leave and I will not come back again.”

• Hale: “She does not deny it, Mr.Danforth, she does not deny it!”

Explanation

• Hale is implying that by not denying her innocence Abigail is guilty. Since, there is no evidence that she is innocent, she is guilty.

Example 3 From the Crucible

• Act IV pages 131-132

• Proctor: “No-no I have signed it. You have seen me. It is done! You have no need for this.”

• Parris: “Proctor, the village! Must have proof that…”

• Proctor: “Damn the village! I confess to god and god has seen my name on this! It is enough!”

Explanation• Parris is stating the fact that, without

evidence to show the citizens of Salem, the story Proctor has stated is completely invalid. If there is no evidence in favor of his statements, his statements were never spoken in the eyes of the court.

Sources

• Rubin, Steve. "fallacies from chapter 4." Santa Rosa junior college. distance education office, 30 January 2013. Web. 21 Feb 2013.

• Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. London: Penguin Classics, 2003