3.11.3 Lesson: Authorities

When seeking to determine whether or not an authority's credentials are credible, what four questions should you ask yourself?

-What is the authority's current position? -What is the authority's educational background? -In what field is the authority an expert, if any? -Is the authority respected by others in their field?

When an individual appeals to an authority, you should ask yourself the following five questions:

1. Is the authority credible? 2. Is the authority impartial? 3. Is the authority informed? 4. Do all equal authorities agree? 5. What authority is being appealed to?

What is one of the keys (mentioned in this lesson) to identifying what authority a person is appealing to?

Being informed of different types of authorities beforehand.

Choose five possible authorities, mentioned in this lesson, that individuals might appeal to in order to get across their point.

God Science Media Informed Professionals Personal Experience

What two questions should you ask yourself when seeking to determine whether or not an authority is consistent?

Is the authority trustworthy? Is the authority consistent or are contradictions present?

When seeking to determine whether or not an authority is credible, the two things that you should check are:

The authority's credentials and consistency.

Everyone appeals to some sort of authority in order to "________ it."

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