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.

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Last updated October 12, 2026