Appeal to Ignorance
Category: Logical Fallacy
What is it?
An appeal to ignorance fallacy occurs when someone argues that something must be true because it hasn't been proven false, or vice versa. It shifts the burden of proof inappropriately and treats a lack of evidence as evidence itself.
Examples
Person A: 'No one has proven that ghosts don't exist, so they must be real.'
Person B: 'Scientists haven't conclusively explained this phenomenon, so my explanation must be correct.'
How to Avoid This
Remember that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Recognize when you're making claims that require positive evidence rather than just pointing to gaps in knowledge.
How to Counter This
Clarify the burden of proof: 'The absence of disproof doesn't constitute proof. The person making the claim needs to provide positive evidence for it.'