Appeal to Emotion

What is Appeal to Emotion?

Someone who appeals to emotion convince others by manipulating their emotions instead of presenting logical reasons.

Example

"It is cruel to see your parents suffer, so we have the duty to take care of our parents when they are old."

The argument highlights the cruelty and emotional pain of watching parents suffer, aiming to evoke pity, guilt, or compassion. The conclusion (that we have a duty to care for parents) may be valid, but here it is supported by an emotional reaction, not by logical reasons (like reciprocity, moral obligation, cultural values, or ethical principles).