Lesson 28: Appeal to Fear

Spot the Faulty Logic #

“If you don’t buy our home security system, criminals will definitely target your house and your family will be in danger!”

Discussion: Talk with your teacher about this example. What’s the problem with using fear this way?

How/Why It’s Often Used #

Fear is one of our most powerful emotions - it evolved to protect us from danger. Because of this, fear-based arguments can override our rational thinking. When we’re scared, we want to act quickly to make the fear go away, often without carefully evaluating whether the threat is real or the proposed solution actually helps.

This fallacy is common in advertising (security systems, insurance, health products), politics (warnings about opponents), and everyday persuasion. It works by making you so worried about a potential bad outcome that you don’t think critically.

Appeal to Fear in Action #

Did you spot the faulty logic? #

The ad implies certain danger without evidence about actual crime rates in your area or the effectiveness of their system compared to alternatives. It uses fear to push you toward buying without rational evaluation.

Second Example #

“You have to vote for our candidate. If the other person wins, the economy will collapse and everyone will lose their jobs!”

The Flaw #

This argument relies on frightening predictions rather than evidence about policies and their likely effects. Voters should evaluate candidates on facts and track records, not be manipulated by worst-case scenarios.