Argumentum ad ignoratiam

Argumentum ad ignoratiam claims something is true because it has not been proven false, or false because it has not been proven true. It confuses absence of evidence with evidence of absence.

Example

“No one has shown that this ritual does not work, so it must work.”
(Lack of refutation is not positive proof.)

Applied example (political)

“It has not been proven that there was fraud, so there was none.”
(Absence of proof is not proof of absence.)

Applied example (mystical)

“No one can prove there are no invisible energies, therefore they exist.”
(The burden of proof is reversed.)

Why it is fallacious

• The burden of proof lies with the claimant.
• Many claims are not easily testable.
• Ignorance does not generate knowledge.

How to spot it

• “It has not been proven false, therefore it is true.”
• “It has not been proven true, therefore it is false.”
• A refusal to provide supporting evidence.

How to respond

• Ask for positive evidence of the claim.
• Note that skepticism is reasonable without evidence.
• Propose clear verification criteria.