Some fallacies of relevance replace reasons with pressure. The bluntest kind is a threat.
Key idea
An appeal to force tries to win agreement by a threat of harm (to someone's body, place, friendships or chances) instead of by reasons.
Why it works
A threat can make people say they agree, but it gives no evidence that the claim is true. Whether a poster has a spelling mistake does not change because someone will kick you out of the group for mentioning it.
Worked example: Threat or warning?
Coach: "If you skip practice this week, you'll be less ready for Saturday's game. So come to practice."
- Being less ready is a natural result of missing practice, not a punishment the coach will hand out.
- It is relevant to the conclusion: it is a reason to come.
Answer: Not a fallacy: a fair warning.
| Warning (fair) | Threat (fallacy) |
|---|---|
| "If you skip practice, you'll play worse." | "Agree that my play is best, or you're on the bench." |
| "If we don't water the trees, they'll dry out." | "Say the food is great, or you're not invited." |
Common mistake
Calling every warning of a consequence an appeal to force. "If you skip practice, you'll play worse" gives a reason. "Agree with me or you're off the team" gives a threat. Ask: is the bad result a natural effect, or a punishment for disagreeing?