Fallacy Friday: Ad Misericordiam (Appeal to Pity)

Friday, April 29, 2011

The Fallacy Friday Podcast is the weekly audio version of Matthew Flannagan's Fallacy Friday posts over at the MandM blog. Apologetics315 is producing the audio version, released every Friday as well. Subscribe using:
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Today's episode: Ad Misericordiam (Appeal to Pity)
(text | MP3)
Enjoy.

Jordan said...: Virtually all apologists are aware of the way emotions can creep into an argument. We are aware of how not to use emotion in an argument. But I never hear an apologist discussing the proper role of emotion in an argument. I think there must be one. After all, we are not only rational beings but also emotional beings. To reduce human arguments to the exchange of rational propositions, or to only mention emotion with a vague reference to "heart factors" seems weak. How might we articulate a Christian philosophy of emotion?

Thoughts?; Friday, April 29, 2011 at 2:36:00 PM GMT+1
Brian said...: Jordan,
I am also very interested in that subject. One interview that I think hit on the subject pretty well was one with Joe Carter here. He talks about the proper use of rhetoric.

I also think that someone like Ravi Zacharias is a good one to watch and learn, as he combines strong stories with good logic - he appeals to emotions, but not in a fallacious way. He pulls on the common longings we all have for meaning, purpose, and redemption.; Friday, April 29, 2011 at 8:57:00 PM GMT+1
Jordan said...: Thanks Brian, I'll check that out. Yes, Ravi comes to mind for me as well.

One area I'm particularly interested in is the relationship between narratives and apologetics. Narratives have an emotional component to them that doesn't seem fallacious, but lends meaning to them.; Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 3:50:00 PM GMT+1