# Argumentum Ad Baculum (Appeal to Force)

”The appeal to force is the abandonment of reason.” - Irving M. Copi, Carl Cohen, and Kenneth McMahon, Introduction to Logic, 14th Edition, 2014, 122.

Date: 2026-07-04
URL: https://logic.darthdemono.com/Fallacies/Argumentum-Ad-Baculum-(Appeal-to-Force)
Tags: Fallacy

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#### _”The appeal to force is the abandonment of reason."_ - Irving M. Copi, Carl Cohen, and Kenneth McMahon, _Introduction to Logic_, 14th Edition, 2014, 122.
## Etymology:
- The Latin term “_Argumentum ad baculum_” translates to "argument to the stick."

## Definition:
- When the argument consists of a threat / when a threat is given, it’s called the Appeal to Force fallacy.
- It is a form of coercion.

![[Appeal to Force.png|center lg]]
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Appeal to Force Coloring Page by Picture Book Apologetics</h6>

## Details:
Appeal to Force is an informal fallacy. One of the favorite tactics of parents, teachers, or bosses when you don’t agree or when they don’t want to deal with you. Typically used as a [[Red Herring (Distraction)]].
## Types of Argumentum Ad Baculum (Appeal to Force):

1. **Physical Threats:** Direct physical threats.
    - **Example:**
        - **Mugger:** “Give me your wallet or else I will stab you.”
    - **Counter:**
	    - **Agree:** If it's a mugging situation, just agree and give them your wallet.
	    - **Fight:** Not recommended, but sometimes one needs to fight.
	    - **Ignore (if possible):** Not recommended for this example, of course, but if it's possible to ignore, do it. Especially if the argument is online, just leave the argument; they have nothing better to say.
2. **Threats of Punishment:** Threatening with negative consequences.
    - **Example:**
	    - **Employee:** “It is not possible to finish the project in time; we lack manpower.”
        - **Boss:** “If you don't meet this deadline, you're fired!”
    - **Counter:**
	    - **Ignore (if possible):** Do not attempt to reason with such people; try your best to ignore.
3. **Threats of Authority:** Attempting to shut down a debate using any form of power.
    - **Example:**
	    - **Child:** “I want more privacy as I’m growing older.”
        - **Parents:** “You can have that when you get kicked out of the house.”
    - **Counter:**
	    - **Give up:** Just give up, there is no arguing with them.

## Why?
### Why is it a Fallacy?
Appeal to Force is a type of coercion and a [[Red Herring (Distraction)]]. It doesn’t focus on the argument at all. It tries to shut up the proponent and it is merely a distraction, not a counter.

### Why would someone do this?
- **Lack of Convincing Evidence:** When someone lacks evidence and they have some sort of power, they might use this.
- **Desire for Control:** Megalomaniacs love control. They might commit this fallacy just because they want it to be their way.
- **Manipulation:** It can be used to manipulate you into submission.

## When is it Fair to Use Argumentum Ad Baculum (Appeal to Force)?
Never. It’s never fair to use the Appeal to Force; an enlightened mind will always try to use reason, at least with another adult. This is different from stopping little kids (ages 1-8) from doing something.