What principle does argumentum ad ignorantiam rely on?

Argumentum ad ignorantiam, or "appeal to ignorance," relies on the principle that a claim is considered true simply because it has not been proven false. This logical fallacy suggests that the absence of evidence against a statement is taken as evidence of its validity. For instance, if one were to claim that aliens exist solely because there is no conclusive proof that they do not, they are employing the argumentum ad ignorantiam. This principle emphasizes the idea that the lack of disproof can be mistaken for proof itself.

In contrast, the other options focus on different reasoning principles. The idea of tradition justifying a point is based on the notion that long-held beliefs are inherently valid, while arguments based on expert agreement center on consensus among authorities. The repetition of a claim until it is accepted highlights how some assertions can gain acceptance through sheer repetition rather than sound reasoning. Each of these alternatives represents a different logical approach, distinct from the reliance on ignorance as justified belief.