Appeal to trust

Informal fallacies → Relevance / appeals

Appeal to trust is when you ask people to believe you just because they should trust you—instead of giving reasons or evidence. "Trust me" isn't an argument. In some relationships we do extend trust, but when we're deciding what to believe or do, we're entitled to reasons. The fallacy is to substitute an appeal to trust for actual support. The listener is left with no way to check or evaluate the claim.

Examples

  • Trust me, I've looked into it and this is the best option.

  • I'm telling you, it's true.

  • You'll have to take my word for it.

  • Believe me, I know what I'm talking about.

  • Just trust the process.

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