Appeal to consequences

An appeal to consequences is a logical fallacy in which the truth of a proposition depends on its consequences:

• If A is true, then B. B is good, therefore A is true.
• If A is true, then B. B is bad, therefore A is false.

The latter form is the argument from adverse consequences. In fact, the appeal to consequences is simply a generalized form of the argument from adverse consequences; desirable as well as undesirable outcomes are included.

Appeal to consequences is a logical fallacy for the simple reason that wanting something to be true does not make it true.

Example

• "Religion promises an eternity in heaven. Don't you want to go to heaven?"