appealing to reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appealing to reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing arguments, persuasion, or logic that aims to engage someone's rational thinking. Example: "The speaker was effective in appealing to reason, presenting logical arguments that resonated with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The problem with this approach is that it's low key, not making a song and dance, appealing to reason and common sense.

Independent

Even information-packed adverts that seem to be appealing to reason are really playing on emotions, points out Mr Kahneman, who does not give advice to marketers.His followers are inclined to dispense with system two altogether.

The Economist

But when it comes to swaying voters, Dr. Westen insists that triggering the right emotional network — that unconscious bundle of ideas, images, words, memories, feelings — is much more important and effective than appealing to reason.

The New York Times - Arts

Ever since his days as a young community organizer in Chicago, Mr. Obama has held fast to the belief that by listening carefully and appealing to reason he can bring people together to get results, an approach that in Washington has often come up short.

The New York Times

It is "a remarkable little book, engagingly written and jargon-free, appealing to reason, not authority".

BBC

He had to because he needed outer borough voters to get re-elected and he didn't want to risk offending them by appealing to reason, a known method of suicide in politics.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Perhaps, as Wolterstorff and Stout have argued, respect is better served both by explicitly disclosing to one's interlocutors the reasons one finds most persuasive (whatever they may be) and appealing to reasons that they might most find most persuasive, given their own commitments to one or another comprehensive perspective (see Wolterstorff 1997 and Stout 2004, Chs. 2-4).

SEP

Would an agent who is reasonable and autonomous reject this procedure in favor of appealing to public reason?

SEP

By appealing to cool reason at a time when the whole nation was ringing with sentimental battle cries, however, Hu Shih and his fellow liberals were bound to face frustration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Written and directed by the sisters Leila Conners Petersen and Nadia Conners, and narrated on- and off-camera by Leonardo DiCaprio, who served as one of the producers, "The 11th Hour" attempts to stave off helplessness, and the nihilism that often follows it, mostly by appealing to our reason.

The New York Times

Furthermore, it is unclear that appealing to public reason is the best way to respect one's fellow citizens.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that your appeals to reason are supported by clear evidence and logical connections. Avoid relying solely on emotions or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on emotional appeals when trying to persuade an audience. While emotions can be powerful, they should be balanced with logical reasoning and factual evidence to create a more compelling and credible argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appealing to reason" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of attempting to persuade or convince someone through logic and rational thought. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appealing to reason" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe the act of trying to persuade someone through logic and rational arguments. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is perfectly usable in written English. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. To enhance persuasive writing, consider backing appeals to reason with solid evidence and logical connections, and avoid relying excessively on emotional ploys. Alternatives such as "appealing to logic" or using rational arguments can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appealing to logic

Focuses specifically on the logical aspect of the appeal, rather than reason in a broader sense.

using rational arguments

Highlights the use of arguments that are based on reason.

presenting a reasoned case

Emphasizes the organized and thoughtful presentation of reasoning.

persuading through intellect

Focuses on using intellectual means to convince someone.

making a rational plea

Stresses the urgency of the appeal while maintaining a focus on reason.

employing logical persuasion

Highlights the active use of logic to persuade.

engaging with rationality

Focuses on interacting with someone's capacity for rational thought.

courting reason

Implies a deliberate and strategic attempt to win over someone's rational side.

invoking logical thinking

Highlights the act of calling upon or activating logical thought processes.

grounding arguments in reason

Emphasizes the foundation of the arguments being based on reason.

FAQs

What does it mean to appeal to reason?

To "appeal to reason" means to persuade or convince someone by presenting logical arguments, facts, and evidence, rather than relying on emotions, biases, or personal beliefs.

How can I effectively use "appealing to reason" in my writing?

Support your claims with credible evidence, use clear and logical reasoning, and avoid making emotional or unsubstantiated statements. Consider presenting "logical arguments" that are persuasive and well-supported.

What are some alternatives to "appealing to reason"?

Alternatives include "appealing to logic", using rational arguments, or presenting a reasoned case. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "appealing to reason" versus other persuasive techniques?

Use "appealing to reason" when your audience values logic and evidence. If your audience is more swayed by emotions or personal connections, other persuasive techniques may be more effective, although combining both reason and emotion can often be the most powerful approach.