Question

The following statement appears in a university's report to its board of regents: "Several other notable universities, including Stanford and Harvard, are offering massive, open online classes, or MOOCs. It is imperative for Old State University to keep pace in the educational marketplace." What type of reasoning does the passage display?

a arguing from ignorance
b. arguing from authority
c. post hoc reasoning
d. circular argument

Answer 1

Answer: b. arguing from authority

Explanation: Arguing from authority simply regers to a form of argument which stage or builds it's evidence or reason for an action on the basis that some top or leading figures support such policies, hencex they need to follow suite. In the scenario above, the evidence, bais or reason put forward on why Old state university need to provide massive open online courses is due to the fact that leading universities such as Stanford and Harvard who are regarded as being prestigious are offering the same. Hence the primary evidence cited is from the view or footprint if universities which are deemed as superior.