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MENTAL MODEL · M3761

Argument from Silence

Argument from Silence
StructureHigh supportLogic
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Merely because a certain historical document does not record something, one concludes that it did not happen.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Absence is not evidence. No record does not mean it did not happen. Perhaps the record was lost, or perhaps contemporaries did not consider it important. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Inferring from "no evidence recorded of something" to "that thing does not exist/did not happen" is a logical fallacy. Because silence may stem from lost records, being taken for granted at the time, or insufficient observational means—missing evidence ≠ evidence of absence.

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument_from_silenceZH · Explicit
    verified

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