Magister dixit (“the teacher said so”) claims something is true because an authority says it. It can guide, but it does not replace evidence.
Example
“A famous scientist says this method works, so it must be true.”
(No data or studies are shown.)
Applied example (political)
“A famous judge said it is correct, therefore it is.” (Authority is not proof.)
Applied example (mystical)
“The supreme master affirmed it, therefore it is true.” (Evidence is replaced by prestige.)
Why it is fallacious
- The authority may be outside their domain.
- Prestige is not proof.
- Evidence is avoided.
How to spot it
- A name is cited instead of data.
- Status is used to close the debate.
- No independent verification.
How to respond
- Ask for studies, data, and method.
- Check real expertise in the topic.
- Compare with consensus and replication.