LSAT Practice Test

Which one of the following is an argumentative strategy employed in the argument?

1. Emotional appeals

2. Anecdotal evidence

3. Appeal to authority

4. Appeal to ignorance

The correct answer is: Appeal to authority

In this argument, the author employs an argumentative strategy known as an "Appeal to authority." This strategy involves citing an authority figure or expert to support a claim or argument. In the argument, the author references the opinion of a medical doctor to bolster the argument that a particular medical procedure is safe and effective. This appeal is intended to lend credibility and persuade the audience to accept the validity of the argument based on the authority's expertise. Anecdotal evidence refers to using personal experiences or isolated examples to support an argument. Emotional appeals aim to evoke feelings in the audience rather than relying on logic or evidence. Appeal to ignorance occurs when the lack of evidence against a claim is used as evidence for the claim. These strategies are not employed in the argument provided, making them incorrect choices.