appeal to consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appeal to consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions about logical fallacies, specifically when arguing that a belief is true or false based on the consequences of accepting it. Example: "Claiming that we should not believe in climate change because it would lead to economic hardship is an appeal to consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The right to life outweighs the appeal to consequences.

Yale University

And as a result of that, shouldn't we say that however far appeal to consequences goes in terms of giving us our moral theory, don't we have to say in terms of consequences, or with regard to consequences, suicide is immoral?

Yale University

Appeal to consequences and guilt by association Instead of evidence, a theory is rejected based on its alleged consequences or linking the opponent's viewpoint to distasteful and evil phenomena.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Dewey had argued that the scientific method as a method for mediating conflicting opinions by an appeal to consequences could be adapted to develop institutions for the peaceful negotiation of differences that had previously led to war.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Evolutionary proponents also utilize appeals to consequences.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Appeals to consequences and guilt by association linked evolutionary theory to atrocities, and slippery slopes to abortion, euthanasia and genocide.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Appeals to consequences typically link evolutionary theory to renouncement of theism, which would inevitably lead to immorality (Morris [1972]) thus denying moral autonomy (Mackie [1982], Brink [2007]; Table 4).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

These may be considered appeals to consequences (a form of logical fallacy), as the potential ramifications of belief in evolutionary theory have nothing to do with its objective empirical reality.

Wikipedia

Thus Hook assumed that there was a method of verification for normative hypotheses by an appeal to their consequences.

SEP

To a degree, Hook believed that his positions on these current issues of social and political controversy could be justified as empirical hypotheses which were confirmable by an appeal to their consequences in social and cultural history.

SEP

For this kind of disagreement, Stevenson shared the non-cognitivist conclusion of the logical positivists, according to which there would be no rational or scientific method for mediating among conflicting opinions by an appeal to their future consequences.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appeal to consequences", ensure you're not committing a logical fallacy by arguing for or against something solely based on the desirability or undesirability of its consequences, rather than on actual evidence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because one event follows another, the first event caused the second. When discussing consequences, clearly establish a causal link supported by evidence rather than relying on mere association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appeal to consequences" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a type of argument or reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically used in discussions about logical fallacies, referring to the practice of evaluating a claim based on the desirability or undesirability of its consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

33%

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appeal to consequences" is a noun phrase used to describe a type of argument that evaluates a claim based on the desirability or undesirability of its consequences. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and primarily used in discussions regarding logical fallacies. While not very common, the phrase appears in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts. When employing this phrase, consider alternative options such as "argument from consequences" for better writing. It's essential to avoid logical fallacies by grounding arguments in evidence rather than solely relying on the consequences of accepting a claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

argument from consequences

Replaces "appeal" with "argument", focusing on the logical structure of the reasoning.

argument based on outcomes

Substitutes "consequences" with "outcomes", emphasizing the results of an action or belief.

consideration of repercussions

Replaces "appeal to" with "consideration of" and "consequences" with "repercussions", highlighting a more cautious and thoughtful approach.

evaluation by results

Focuses on assessing something based on its achieved results rather than potential consequences.

assessment of implications

Uses "implications" instead of "consequences", suggesting a deeper examination of the potential effects.

reliance on projected effects

Highlights the dependence on predicted or anticipated effects in making a judgment.

justification by potential impact

Emphasizes the use of potential impact as a basis for justifying a decision or belief.

reasoning from future outcomes

Focuses on the act of reasoning based on what might happen in the future.

basing decisions on foreseeable results

Highlights the act of using anticipated outcomes as the foundation for making choices.

taking consequences into account

A more general phrase that emphasizes the importance of considering the effects of actions or decisions.

FAQs

What does "appeal to consequences" mean in an argument?

In argumentation, "appeal to consequences" refers to arguing that a belief is true or false based on the desirability or undesirability of the consequences of accepting that belief. It's often considered a logical fallacy if used as the primary basis for an argument.

Is "appeal to consequences" always a logical fallacy?

Not necessarily. Considering potential consequences can be relevant in ethical or practical decision-making. However, it becomes a fallacy when it's the sole or primary reason for accepting or rejecting a claim, especially when evidence is available.

What's an alternative to saying "appeal to consequences"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "argument from outcomes", "consideration of repercussions", or "evaluation by results".

How can I avoid using an "appeal to consequences" fallacy?

Focus on presenting evidence and logical reasoning to support your claims, rather than relying solely on the potential positive or negative outcomes of accepting those claims. Acknowledge and address counterarguments with evidence as well.