Appeal to Accomplishment

Appeal to Accomplishment meme from Drace

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Description

When the argument being made is sheltered from criticism based on the level of accomplishment of the one making the argument. rather than on the merits of the argument itself.

Appeal to success variation A form of this fallacy also occurs when arguments are evaluated on the accomplishments, or success, of the person making the argument, rather than on the merits of the argument itself.

or in other words:

occurs when an argument is sheltered from criticism or evaluated based on the accomplishments or success of the person or argument, rather than on the merits of the arguments itself.

Names

Appeal to Accomplishment or appeal to success

Types

Irrelevant Argument, Informal Fallacy

Logical Form

Person 1 claims that Y is true. Person 1 is very accomplished. Therefore, Y is true.

Variation:

Person 1 presents evidence against claim Y. Person 1 is told to shut up until person 1 becomes as accomplished as person 2.

Examples

Discord Examples:

1. 1

  flat earther presents evidence against the globe, glober tells you; he or you are not qualified because Neither is a credited scientist.

he is simply diverting away (red herring) from his inability to counter and hoping someone else could. a very weak argument.

1. 2

  "what have you done? why should i listen to anything you say?"

instead of addressing the evidence or arguments they attempt to divert (red herring) to appeal to your accomplishments. or in this case assumed lack of...

1. 3

  "gravity is proven true, einstein was the smartest man alive, are you smarter then einstein?"

regardless what you or other people believe about einstein or how intelligent you are in relation to einstein, or his accomplishments does not invalidate a valid argument. or prove him to be infallible.

Other Examples

1. 1:

  "I have been around the block many times, and I have had my share of success.  So believe me when I tell you that there is no better hobby than cat-juggling."

We can all admire accomplishment and success, but this is irrelevant to cat-juggling. There are many accomplished and successful people who are immoral, mean, insensitive, hateful, liars, miserable, and just plain wrong about a great many things.

1. 2

  "I hold a doctorate in theology, have written 12 books, and personally met the Pope.  Therefore, when I say that Jesus’ favorite snack was raisins dipped in wine, you should believe me."

While the credentials of the one making the statement are certainly impressive, in no way do these credentials lend credibility to the belief that Jesus’ favorite snack was wine-dipped raisins.

Weakness

the accomplishment of the arguer has no relation to the argument itself and is therefor a form of red herring and ad hominem

Extra information

Exception:

When one’s accomplishments are directly related to the argument, it is more meaningful.

  "I have been around the block many times, and I have had my share of success in real estate.  So believe me when I tell you that, if you know what you are doing, real estate can be a great way to make a great living."

Tip: Many successful people attempt to use their success as a wildcard to be an authority on everything. Don’t allow one’s own success to cloud your judgment of the claims they are making. Evaluate the evidence above all else.

Ref Rulings

for quick and easy fallacy moderation

Objection Stands

Objection Stands. that was an appeal to accomplishment

Since an argument was sheltered from criticism or evaluated based on the accomplishments or success of the person or argument, rather than on the merits of the arguments itself.

Please reformulate the argument without this fallacy or concede and move on. failure to do either and you'll forfeit the debate. Please continue.

Objection Removed

Objection Removed. That was not an appeal to accomplishment

Appeal to accomplishment means an argument is sheltered from criticism or evaluated based on the accomplishments or success of the person or argument, rather than on the merits of the arguments itself.

Please reformulate the counter argument without the fallacy fallacy variation or concede and move on. failure to do either and you'll forfeit the debate. Objection removed. Please continue.