Appeal to Heaven
A logical fallacy where one asserts that a conclusion must be accepted because it is the will of God or the gods, often without providing any rational evidence or reasoning.
THE IDEA
Description
The Appeal to Heaven fallacy (also known as deus vult, gott mit uns, manifest destiny, or special covenant) occurs when someone argues that a conclusion must be true or an action must be taken simply because it is supposedly the will of a deity. In the mind of those committing the fallacy, the will of God is not only knowable, but the person making the argument claims to know it, and no other reason is considered necessary.
Logical Form
While not explicitly stated in the source, the general logical form is:
- (Premise) X is claimed to be the will of God.
- (Conclusion) Therefore, X must be accepted or followed.
Examples
Example 1
A politician argues that a new law should be passed because “it is God’s will,” offering no ethical or practical reasoning to support the policy.
Example 2
A person decides to quit their job and move to a different country based solely on a feeling that “God told them to do it,” without considering potential consequences or seeking counsel.
Exception
A conclusion may have independent support from reason and evidence. In that case, those reasons do the argumentative work; agreement with a claimed divine will does not make the appeal itself additional evidence.
Tip
“Sometimes the only difference between faithfulness and insanity is adherence to the law.” - from the source text.
When to use it
In political debates when a speaker invokes religious authority to support a policy without evidence.
In religious discussions where someone claims divine revelation for a moral rule.
In legal cases where a defendant argues their actions were commanded by God.
In personal decisions that are justified solely by a claimed spiritual experience.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Political Policy
A politician argues that a new law should be passed because “it is God’s will,” offering no ethical or practical reasoning to support the policy.
Personal Decision
A person decides to quit their job and move to a different country based solely on a feeling that “God told them to do it,” without considering potential consequences or seeking counsel.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can we distinguish between a genuine sense of divine guidance and a personal bias or desire?
What are the potential dangers of using an appeal to heaven in public debates or legal arguments?
Think of a time when you or someone you know used an appeal to heaven. How could the decision have been supported with reason instead?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies