The Appeal to flattery reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Appeal to flattery

Appeal to flattery is a logical fallacy in which a person uses flattery in an attempt to win support for his side.

Examples:

"Surely a man as smart as you can see this is a brilliant proposal."

"I needed a beautiful woman to endorse my product, so naturally I thought of you."

Flattery is often used to hide the true intent of an idea or proposal. Praise offers a momentary personal distraction that can often weaken judgement.

Appeal to flattery is a specific kind of appeal to emotion.

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