arguments from authority, pop philosophy, and other dangers

http://www.juliansanchez.com/2009/04/06/climate-change-and-argumentative-fallacies/
http://www.juliansanchez.com/2009/06/01/perils-of-pop-philosophy/

The thought-provoking quote:

We’re accustomed to calling the “argument from authority” a fallacy, but in fact, that’s what the vast majority of us have to go on most of the time. Provided you ensure that authority’s authority actually applies to the field in question, it’s as good a strategy as any.

Obviously, when it comes to an argument between trained scientific specialists, they ought to ignore the consensus and deal directly with the argument on its merits. But most of us are not actually in any position to deal with the arguments on the merits.

*ponder*