APPEAL TO EMOTIONS

Question 1

Arguing a belief is false because it implies something you’d rather not believe. “That can’t be the Senator on that sextape. If it were, he’d be lying about not knowing her. And he’s not that kind of man who would lie.”

Answer 1

Appeal to Consequences of a Belief

Question 2

An argument is made by increasing fear and prejudice towards the opposing side. “Before you know it there will be more mosques than churches.”

Answer 2

Appeal to Fear

Question 3

Using an irrelevant compliment to slip an unfounded claim which is accepted along with the compliment. “Intelligent and sophisticated readers will of course recognize a fallacy like this when they read one.”

Answer 3

Appeal to Flattery

Question 4

Suggesting a claim is true or false just because you strongly hope it is. “The President wouldn’t lie. He’s our leader and a good American.”

Answer 4

Appeal to Wishful Thinking

Question 5

Dismissing a claim by appealing to personal bias against the claimant. “Don’t you just hate how those rich Liberal Hollywood actors go on TV to promote their agendas?”

Answer 5

Appeal to Spite

Question 6

Making your claim seem more true by drawing a comparison with the “good” natural world. “Of course homosexuality is unnatural. You don’t see same-sex animals copulating.”

Answer 6

Appeal to Nature

Question 7

Attempt to induce pity to sway opponents. “The former dictator is an old, dying man. It’s wrong to make him stand trial for these alleged offenses.”

Answer 7

Appeal to Pity

Question 8

Presenting the opponent’s argument in a way that makes it appear absurd. “Faith in God is like believing in Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy.”

Answer 8

Appeal to Ridicule