Legal Definitions - ipse dixit

Ipse dixit is a Latin phrase that translates to "he himself said it." In legal and general contexts, it refers to a statement or assertion that is presented as true simply because the speaker says it is, without any supporting evidence, logical reasoning, or external authority. It's essentially a claim based solely on the speaker's own authority or belief, rather than on facts, data, or verifiable proof.

When an argument relies on ipse dixit, it is considered weak because it lacks substantiation. It challenges the listener to accept a claim purely on the speaker's word, rather than on any objective basis.

• Example 1 (Business Context):

  A software company CEO announces to investors that their new product will revolutionize the industry and capture 50% of the market within a year. When asked for the market research, competitive analysis, or sales projections that support this ambitious claim, the CEO simply responds, "I know it will because I've been in this business for 30 years, and I have a gut feeling."

  This is an ipse dixit because the CEO's assertion about market capture is based solely on their personal conviction and perceived authority ("I've been in this business for 30 years") rather than on any verifiable data, market studies, or strategic plans. The claim lacks objective proof.

• Example 2 (Everyday Dispute):

  During a neighborhood dispute over a shared fence, one homeowner insists, "This fence has always been on my property line, I just know it." They refuse to consult property deeds, survey markers, or historical records, relying entirely on their personal belief and memory.

  The homeowner's claim about the property line is an ipse dixit because it is presented as fact based solely on their personal assertion ("I just know it") without any objective evidence like property surveys, deeds, or official records to back it up.

• Example 3 (Policy Making):

  A city council member proposes a new traffic regulation, stating, "This new rule will definitely reduce congestion by 30%." When questioned by other council members about traffic studies, expert opinions, or data from similar cities, the council member simply replies, "I've lived here my whole life, and I'm certain this is the solution."

  This is an ipse dixit because the council member's assertion about the congestion reduction is based entirely on their personal conviction and local experience ("I've lived here my whole life") rather than on any empirical evidence, traffic modeling, or expert analysis.