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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