Proof of Substitute

Proof substitute is a phrase that suggests that the speaker has proof, but really there is not proof that is provided. This type of bad argument is always something that comes up when we are arguing with friends and family out of frustration. Other forms of proof substitute are also ridicule and burden of proof. Ridicule is when that the claim that is presented is obviously wrong and perceived as laughable. Shifting the burden of proof is a clever method that a speaker will use when they have not evidence to back up their claim. Instead of the speaker trying to defend their claim with evidence, the speaker tells the person listening to find evidence that their claim is false. Both of these types of bad argument techniques raise the question of asking where the proof is. The purpose for a speaker using this technique is so that they can make themselves sound believable without having any evidence whatsoever.