Appeal to Logic

A fallacy where someone invokes "logic" as an authority to settle a question without specifying which logic, what logical system, or how it applies. "That's not logical!" becomes a catch-all dismissal. The appeal is fallacious when it treats logic as monolithic and self-evident, ignoring that there are multiple logical systems (classical, fuzzy, paraconsistent, etc.) and that applying logic requires interpretation. Often used to dismiss arguments that follow different logical rules or that address domains where formal logic isn't primary.

"Your argument about ethics doesn't follow classical logic, so it's invalid! That's Appeal to Logic—assuming your logic is the only logic. But ethical reasoning often uses different logics: care, narrative, casuistry. 'Not logical' often means 'not my logic.'"

Appeal to Logic by Dumu The Void February 28, 2026