Proof Surrogate Description: A claim masquerading as proof or evidence, when no such proof or evidence is actually being offered. Logical Form: Claim X is made. Claim X is expressed in such a way where no evidence is forthcoming, or no requests for evidence are welcome. Therefore, X is true. Example #1: Jose writes that “people are mostly good at heart.” The author is simply wrong. Explanation: The arguer states that the author is “simply wrong” yet offers no reasons. Words and phrases such as “simply,” “obviously,” “without question,” etc., are indicators that no such evidence will be
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