[allmendream]

Yes, an authority on a subject has to convince based upon an explanation of the evidence not “because I am an authority”.

If a well regarded historian says something is the most likely explanation based upon documents A, B and C - he is not making an argument from authority - he IS an authority - but he is making an argument based upon the evidence.

Those without any expertise who want to hold a contrary view DESPITE the evidence are likely to make the fallacious argument that he is simply making an argument from authority. But they are wrong to do so.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

I think the entire global warming festush is little more than a misplaced trust in the authority of computer models, argumentum ad computatrum.