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De Omnibus Dubitandum - Lux Veritas

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Logical Fallacy of the Week, Week 63: Appeal to flattery

Editor's Note: I have failed to follow through publishing the list of logical fallacies. I have no explanation except to say that it takes time to recover from being a long time under anesthetic. I have mostly overcome the foggy headedness that has followed me for over six months, so I hope to continue these 'logical fallacy' posts once again.  Please enjoy! RK

Appeal to flattery – (also apple polishing or wheel greasing) is a fallacy in which a person uses flattery, excessive compliments, in an attempt to win support for their side.

Flattery is often used to hide the true intent of an idea or proposal. Praise offers a momentary personal distraction that can often weaken judgment. Moreover, it is usually a cunning form of appeal to consequences, since the audience is subject to be flattered as long as they comply with the flatterer.
 
Example:

"Surely a man as smart as you can see this is a brilliant proposal." (failing to accept the proposal is a tacit admission of stupidity)
 
Appeal to flattery is a specific kind of appeal to emotion.

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