Which logical fallacy involves asserting something is true because it has not been proven false?

The correct answer is the Appeal to Ignorance, which occurs when a conclusion is drawn based on a lack of evidence proving that something is false. This fallacy suggests that if no one has disproven a claim, then the claim must be true. It relies on the absence of evidence rather than the presence of valid evidence to support a position.

For instance, if someone asserts that a particular health benefit exists because no research has definitively contradicted it, they are committing the Appeal to Ignorance fallacy. It highlights a flaw in reasoning where an individual's confidence in a proposition is not justified by substantial proof, thus misguiding rational debate.

This fallacy is distinct from the other options presented. Diversion refers to changing the topic to avoid addressing the original issue. A Leading Question manipulates the respondent into answering in a particular way. Inconsequent Argument involves presenting premises that are irrelevant to the conclusion. These other types of reasoning errors focus on different manipulative tactics rather than relying on the absence of disproof, which is central to the Appeal to Ignorance.