What is an appeal to nature?

Q: What is an appeal to nature?


A: An appeal to nature is an argument that says a thing is good because it is 'natural' or bad because it is 'unnatural'.

Q: Why can an appeal to nature be a bad argument?


A: An appeal to nature can be a bad argument for two reasons. First, not everyone agrees on what is "natural" or "unnatural". Second, even if something is clearly natural or unnatural, that alone does not mean that the thing is good or bad.

Q: Give an example of how people can have different opinions on what is natural or unnatural?


A: Eating meat is natural to some people and unnatural to others.

Q: What is an example of something natural that can be bad?


A: Many "natural" plants and animals are poisonous.

Q: What is an example of something unnatural that can be good?


A: Unnatural things like medicine and vaccines can be helpful against diseases.

Q: Why is it important to not rely solely on an appeal to nature?


A: It is important to not rely solely on an appeal to nature because it can be a bad argument and not everyone agrees on what is natural or unnatural.

Q: What are the two reasons why an appeal to nature can be a bad argument?


A: An appeal to nature can be a bad argument for two reasons. First, not everyone agrees on what is "natural" or "unnatural". Second, even if something is clearly natural or unnatural, that alone does not mean that the thing is good or bad.

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