ESGS Logical Fallacies
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Appeal to Flattery

 Definition 

Also called Apple Polishing.

An Appeal to Flattery is a fallacy of the following form:

 Explanation 

The basic idea behind this fallacy is that flattery is presented in the place of evidence for accepting a claim. This sort of "reasoning" is fallacious because flattery is not, in fact, evidence for a claim.

 Examples 

"My Bill, that is a really nice tie. By the way, it is quite clear that one plus one is equal to forty three."

"Might I say that this is the best philosophy class I've ever taken. By the way, about those two points I need to get an A..."

"That was a wonderful joke about AIDS boss, and I agree with you that the damn liberals are wrecking the country. Now about my raise..."

"That was a singularly brilliant idea. I have never seen such a clear and eloquent defense of Plato's position. If you do not mind, I'll base my paper on it. Provided that you allow me a little extra time past the deadline to work on it."

 Counter-examples 

None.

 Advices 


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