Refraction (Bent Thinking) #67

Appeal to Poverty (argumentum ad Lazarum) – supporting a conclusion because the arguer is poor (or refuting because the arguer is wealthy). (Opposite of appeal to wealth)  Refutation: Arguments stand on their own, based on their validity and support for their claims. It should stand or fall no matter who is hearing it. Example: Amethyst: Burt, of course you are not in favor of raising taxes on the super-rich, because you are wealthy. Side Note: In my research writing class, I ask students to research and find out who has the higher income average, Democrats or Republicans, and they consistently discover that Democrats are wealthier than Republicans, contrary to much popular understanding.  Having said that, one’s own financial status should not affect and argument any more than the financial status of those you are trying to convince.