Appeal to Nature
Assuming something is good because it's natural (or bad because it's unnatural).
- informal
The appeal to nature treats “natural” as a synonym for good, safe, or desirable, and “unnatural” or artificial as inherently bad. But whether something is natural says nothing on its own about whether it's beneficial or harmful — many natural things are dangerous and many artificial ones are helpful.
Examples
- “This remedy is all-natural, so it's bound to be safer than those synthetic medications.”
- “Eating the way our distant ancestors did has to be healthier, because it's the natural way.”
Why it works & how to counter
Persuasive because “natural” feels wholesome and trustworthy. Counter it by noting that natural things (poisons, diseases) can harm and artificial ones (vaccines, treated water) can help — judge the thing by its actual effects.