Argument from expert opinion

Critical questions for evaluating an argument based on expert opinion:¹

1. Is expert E an expert in field D?
2. Did expert E actually say A?
3. Is A relevant to field D?
4. Is A consistent with the opinions of other experts in field D?
5. Is A consistent with the known evidence in field D?

Footnotes

1. Douglas Walton, Argumentation schemes for presumptive reasoning