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  • The argument from silence (argumentum  ex silentio) is a logical fallacy where  

  • one infers a conclusion based on the absence of  statements or evidence rather than on presence.

  • It assumes that someone's silence on a matter is  proof of ignorance or an implicit agreement with  

  • some position, which is not a valid assumption  since silence can be due to many other reasons.

  • Everyday Example:

  • A teacher asks the class whether anyone  disagrees with the proposed solution to  

  • a math problem. No one speaks  up. The teacher then concludes,  

  • "Since no one has said anything, everyone  must understand and agree with the solution."

  • In this case, the teacher's conclusion is  based on the students' silence. However,  

  • the silence may not indicate agreement or  understanding; it could be due to other  

  • factors such as intimidation, apathy, or even the  students' desire to avoid a longer discussion.  

  • Silence is not a reliable indicator of consent or  concurrence, and assuming it is can be fallacious.

The argument from silence (argumentum  ex silentio) is a logical fallacy where  

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