Question

Both , arguments from ignorance and conspiracy theories begin with the idea of lack of evidence ,yet they come to opposite conclusions. What is the difference between the argument from ignorance and conspiracy theories that explains this ? Compare the two, provide detailed explanation and use examples

Answer 1

• In arguement from ignorance, the word "ignorance" is not an insult, but refers to the meaning of "not knowing something".Simply put, argument from ignorance happens when something with no apparent explanation is pointed out (for example in a photograph), and since there's no explanation, it's presented as evidence of foul play (eg. that the photograph has been manipulated).

• Lack of evidence, says ethicist Elliot D. Cohen, "means that we must proceed with an open mind, keeping open the possibility of future evidence that may either confirm or disconfirm the conclusion in question" .

• Example;There is intelligent life in outer space, for no one has been able to prove that there isn't.- I know that every action we perform is predetermined because no one has proved that we have free will.

• Such fallacious arguments involve an appeal to the emotions in that one hopes to place opponents on the defensive, causing them to believe that the proposed conclusion must be true merely because they cannot prove otherwise. That belief would be irrational, resulting from the feeling of intimidation. In logical argument, it is always the obligation of those who propose conclusions to provide proof."

• Conspiracy theorists often claim that a lack of evidence for the alleged conspiracy only goes to show just how powerful the conspiracy really is because it can suppress the evidence.
  In one sense, it feels like an appeal to ignorance, because the claim of an undetectable conspiracy is unfalsifiable. But in another sense, the precise lack of evidence is being used as an argument, so it feels like an argument from silence.

• A conspiracy theory may take any matter as its subject, but certain subjects attract greater interest than others. Favored subjects include famous deaths, government activities, new technologies, terrorism and questions of alien life.

• Among the longest-standing and most widely recognized conspiracy theories are notions concerning the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the 1969 Apollo moon landings and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as well as numerous theories pertaining to alleged plots for world domination by various groups both real and imaginary.