| Arcane Explanation |
Logical Fallacy of Arcane ExplanationThe Logical Fallacy of Arcane Explanation occurs when an explanation is proposed that can only be understood by a select group people or is a mystery that no one can understand. This is very similar to appeal to mystery. Some things are difficult to understand. For all things, you must look at the evidence, and, until you do, it will be a mystery to you. However, there are appeals to arcane explanations, saying that there is no way you can understand, so just believe it. Examples of the Logical Fallacy of Arcane ExplanationRocky: “What evidence do you have that shows that evolution actually happened?” Sandy: “Your problem is that you don’t understand science. It can’t be explained easily. You need a PhD in biology to understand it. I don’t even understand it, but the PhDs do. And I trust them.” The problem is actually that the supposed "evidence" resides in arbitrary assumptions and made-up stories. As Agrippa the skeptic noted thousands of years ago, all secular thinking is based on infinite regress, circular reasoning, or axiomatic thinking. In reality, infinite regress and circular reasonings are just cover-ups for axiomatic thinking. And "axiomatic thinking" is a polite word for "lying." Fallacy AbuseSometimes, unbelievers claim that knowing Christ is an arcane explanation. However, everyone who seeks Christ does find Christ. Everyone who follows Christ is led by Christ. But, unless you are born again you can’t see the Kingdom of God, so it will seem arcane to you even though it is not arcane. Anyone can check it out by simply coming to Jesus in humility and submission. This is very different from saying that there is no way you can understand, so just believe it. 
How can we know anything about anything? That’s the real question |
Other Pages in this sectionAvoiding the Issue Misleading Vividness Dodging the Question Irrelevant Conclusion Irrelevant Question Parade of the Horribles Appeal to Motives Red Herring Answering a Question with a Question Answering a Different Question Non-Support Quibbling Admit a Fault to Cover a Denial Arguing a Minor Point and Ignoring the Main Point Appeal to pity Galileo Wannabe (Pity) Appeal to Novelty Appeal to High Tech Traditional Wisdom The Way We Have Always Done It Appeal to Desperation Straw Man Fallacy Extension In a Certain Respect and Simply Appeal to Extremes Quote Out of Context Misquoting Accent by Emphasis Accent by Abstraction Contextomy Misinterpretation Playing Dumb Hyperbole Exaggeration Irrelevant Thesis Burden of Proof Uneven Burden of Proof Burden of Proof Fallacy Fallacy Argument to Moderation Fallacy Abuse Confusing an Explanation with Proof Moralism Ought-Is Is-Ought Naturalistic Fallacy Notable Effort Political Correctness False Compromise Lip Service Tokenism Argument by Denial Diminished Responsibility Contrarian Argument Recently Viewed |
