The verb to appeal comes from appellāre , a Latin word that can be translated as “call.” The concept is used to name the action of turning to a person or an entity that, due to its wisdom, discernment or authority, is in a position to solve or resolve a matter .
For example: “I am going to appeal to the president of the company to see if he can help me with this problem” , “I don't have to appeal to anyone, I can resolve the issue on my own” , “If the government does not reverse its decision "We are going to appeal to human rights organizations."
Appeal in court
The most common use of the notion is in the judicial field. Appealing, in this framework, involves going to a higher court or judge to reverse a decision made by a lower stratum.
Appeal is a procedural resource that seeks to have the higher court rectify a ruling by a lower court, always acting in accordance with what is established by law . The appeal appears when one of the parties to a dispute is not satisfied with the decision of a court or judge. Faced with this situation, he decides to appeal to a higher body to review the ruling and, if any defect is found, to correct it with a new ruling. When it is no longer possible to appeal, the sentence is said to be final .
The concept linked to emotions
In the same way, we cannot ignore that, within what logic is, a term or expression is used that includes the verb that concerns us now. We are referring to appealing to emotions .
We have to explain that expression that it is a fallacy (an argument that seems valid but is not) with which we intend to try to manipulate the emotions of the person in front of us. In this way, this resource is chosen instead of using a real and true, valid argument, in order to hide something.
Other expressions with the term appeal
Furthermore, we cannot forget that there are several types of fallacy that use the verb in question. Specifically, among them we can highlight:
– Appeal to ridicule , which consists of exposing the other person's arguments as laughable.
– Appeal to consequences . It is basically about being able to respond to another person's argument by exposing the negative or positive consequences that it may have.
– Appeal to fear . Within the field of logic, this fallacy is used on numerous occasions, which consists of using lies and deception to support an argument or position. Basically what is sought when undertaking this is to increase the fear and prejudice of the person to whom the aforementioned is addressed. An example of this would be the following phrase: “If you don't act properly now, it will be too late later.”
Synonym of invoking
The idea of appealing is also used, in a broad sense, as a synonym for invoking or demanding .
“The president tried to appeal to the emotions of the citizens by asking for their support” y “The official candidate seeks to appeal to fear so that people continue to support his political project” son frases que muestran este uso.