Latin quote · Logic
Argumentum a silentio
“Argument from silence.”
Logic and historical method
Translation
What does “Argumentum a silentio” mean?
Argumentum a silentio translates as “Argument from silence.”
Concluding something from the absence of evidence, for example that an author did not know a fact because he never mentioned it. It can be suggestive but is often weak.
Origin
The story behind it
A term of historical method and logic used to evaluate inferences drawn from what sources omit.
When to use it
How to use “Argumentum a silentio”
A useful term for a history seminar or a critical-thinking course.
- Latin
- Argumentum a silentio
- English
- Argument from silence.
- Source
- Logic and historical method
- Era
- Modern Latin
- Theme
- Logic
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