What is appeal to ignorance?
An appeal to ignorance argues that a claim is true because it has not been proven false, or false because it has not been proven true.
No evidence of a problem is not evidence of no problem. The absence of proof is not proof of absence.
This flaw shows up in science-flavored stimuli: a study found no link, so the argument claims there is no link.
Related glossary entry: appeal to ignorance.
Last updated October 12, 2026