A fallacy is an argument with a doubtful premise, which also does not support the conclusion (201). As a result, using a fallacy can cause a weak and an invalid argument. One fallacy that I found most interesting was the appeal to emotion. An appeal to emotion provokes the audience to feel emotions such as pity, happiness, and fear. Using persuasive language in the statement provokes these emotions. This tactic is very important because many people often rely on their feelings toward a subject. If they feel that the argument makes them feel upset, they will often not support the argument.
An example of an appeal to emotion that I have heard frequently is: abortion is murder. Although only three words, this statement can make a person feel various emotions such as sadness and fear. The key term that evokes this feeling is “murder.” Most people associate murder with a negative connotation, which is why pro-life activists continue to use this slogan. As a result, people may feel that they are murderers if they support abortion. Abortion, of course, is not that easy of a topic to consider if it is right or wrong. It is crucial for speakers to avoid using the appeal to emotion because it is more important to consider the reason and logic behind abortion such as considering the “future like ours” argument for the baby AND the mother.
Hi. First of all, the three words, "abortion is murder" is very strong. Those are three very scary words to everyone, especially to the people who wants the abortion. The word "murder" is a very strong and heartbreaking word though. Abortion is very hard to decide and it takes a lot of effort for people to decide whether they should do it or not because the thought of killing an innocent baby is terrifying. I feel like you have a very nice example to show the "appeal to emotion" fallacy because I understood it well. Keep up the good work! =D
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ReplyDeleteThe example you used is both strong and has alot of emotion to it. Abortion is a topic really hard to be discussed and is still controversial as of today. Many are for abortion, but also many are against it. Those who are against it may believe as you had said, "abortion is murder." Murder is a strong word as well and is a word no one would like to hear. And the use of abortion with the word murder makes it dramatic and shows the appeal to emotion that you had explained. Great example! I enjoyed reading it as well. Really helped me understand a fallacy even more now that i had read your post.
Hello EsconeQueen! The organization of this post is just awesome! I really liked how you first described a fallacy and from there you added your fallacy of choice with appeal to emotion. The way you described the fallacy was very helpful and understanding. Also, your example was just perfect. When I read it, it definitely activated some emotion in me. "Abortion is murder" may be short and simple, but it is definitely strong and meaningful for a person to have some feelings towards it. Abortion is a very controversial topic and most definitely, the fallacy of appeal to emotion should not be associated with it.
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