Proof by assertion

Proof by assertion

Proof by assertion is a logical fallacy in which a proposition is repeatedly restated regardless of contradiction. Sometimes this may be repeated until challenges dry up, at which point it is asserted as fact due to its not being contradicted (argumentum ad nauseam). In other cases its repetition may be cited as evidence of its truth, in a variant of the appeal to authority or appeal to belief fallacies. [ [http://dspace.de.shellph2.info/en/Proof+by+assertion Proof by assertion ] ]

This logical fallacy is sometimes used as a form of rhetoric by politicians, or during a debate as a filibuster. In its extreme form, it can also be a form of brainwashing. Modern politics contains many examples of proof by assertions. This practice can be observed in the use of political slogans, and the distribution of "talking points," which are collections of short phrases that are issued to members of modern political parties for recitation to achieve maximum message repetition. The technique is also sometimes used in advertising.Fact|date=July 2008

The technique is described in a saying, often attributed to Lenin, as "A lie told often enough becomes the truth", [ cite web|url=http://thinkexist.com/quotation/a_lie_told_often_enough_becomes/195640.html |title=Vladimir Lenin quotes|accessdate=2008-01-13 |work=ThinkExist.com ] although the user may not be intentionally promoting a lie and may just believe an illogical or faulty proposition.

ee also

* Big Lie
* Talking points
* Brainwashing
* Weasel word
* Denialism

References

External links

* [http://www.mnforsustain.org/student_logical_fallacies_with_references.htm Stephen's Guide to the Logical Fallacies] (Logical fallacies with references.)


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