The Only Valid Authority is a Reasonable Authority

By

Anthony J. Fejfar, B.A., J.D., Esq., Coif

©Copyright 2010 by Anthony J. Fejfar

Under the Rule of Aristotelian Logic, it is fallacious to base an argument upon an

appeal to an authority. Authority, as such, is not valid. You see, an authority could be

irrational or wrong, and thus an invalid authority. The only valid authority is a

Reasonable Authority. To be a Reasonable Authority, the following 4 criterion must be

met:

1. The authority must have and use reason. (logic, love, and intution)

2. The authority must have a good education. (an actual education)

3. The authority must have a good credential (typically a graduate degree).

4. The authority must have good status in society (often by election or

appointment, or by being a member of a Wisdom Society).