Appeal to Desperation
An appeal to desperation treats the need to act as sufficient reason to choose a particular action. Urgency alone does not show that the proposed action will help.
THE IDEA
Description
Arguing that your conclusion, solution, or proposition is right based on the fact that something must be done, and your solution is something.
Logical Form
"We must do something; this is something; therefore, we must do this."
Examples
Example #1
Someone proposes exterminating all baby seals because something must be done about a crisis. Without a reason connecting that action to the problem, the proposal rests only on urgency. Imagining possible reasons does not supply the missing argument.
Example #2
A struggling company spends its remaining money on an extravagant event because doing something feels better than doing nothing. Overpriced soft drinks and rotisserie ostrich legs do not solve its financial problem merely by being an action. The company needs a reason to expect the expense to help.
Exception
At times, especially in situations where time is limited, taking some action will be better than taking no action, and in absence of better reasoning, the best available reason might have to do. However, a reason, no matter how poor, should still be given – not simply a conclusion.
Tip
Do your best to avoid situations of desperation where emotion very often takes the lead over reason. Although not all desperate situations can be avoided, many can, by proper planning and foresight.
When to use it
When a failing company rushes into a new business direction without evaluating alternatives, solely because 'something must be done'.
When a politician urges immediate policy action in a crisis without providing evidence that the proposed action will actually help.
When an individual facing a financial emergency makes a snap investment or spending decision without analyzing the risks.
When a team under a tight deadline chooses the first available solution instead of assessing which option best solves the problem.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Exterminating Baby Seals
Someone proposes exterminating all baby seals on the grounds that something must be done about a crisis. Unless they explain how that action would address the crisis, urgency supplies no reason for choosing it.
Spending Money Extravagantly
A struggling company spends its remaining funds on an extravagant event because doing something feels better than doing nothing. Without a reason to expect that expense to help, the need for action does not justify the purchase.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you recall a situation where you or someone else argued 'we must do something' without proper justification? What was the outcome?
How can you distinguish between a reasoned decision made under time pressure and a pure appeal to desperation?
What steps can you take to ensure that urgency does not replace logical reasoning in your decision-making process?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies