Appeal to consequences - Definition and Overview

Appeal to consequences, also known as argumentum ad consequentiam (Latin: argument to the consequences), seen by some to be a logical fallacy, consists of deducing the falsity of a conclusion (specifically a belief) from the negative or positive consequences that would follow belief.

Some examples:

• "You cannot believe that water companies should belong to the public. Think of all the utility shares our family owns!".
• "God must exist: so many people find happiness in religion."

In a sense, this fallacy is like confusing the consequences of a conclusion with evidence for the truth of that conclusion.

The argumentum ad baculum is a special case of appeal to consequences.

Compare to:

• wishful thinking
• appeal to fear
• argumentum ad hominem circumstantial form