Appeal to flattery
Also called: Buttering up
Praising someone in order to win their agreement.
How to spot it
Does the compliment come attached to a request or a conclusion?
Example
“A smart person like you will obviously agree.”
How to answer it
Thank them, then judge the claim on its merits.
Related
- Appeal to emotion: Using feeling, such as pity, anger or guilt, in place of reasons.
- Appeal to authority: Treating someone's title or fame as proof, instead of looking at their reasons.