Surely little Jimmy isn't responsible for burning down the school. A year ago, Jimmy's dad, whom Jimmy loved dearly, was killed in an accident, and ever since that time Jimmy has collected aluminum cans and mowed lawns to help his poor mother raise his six brothers and sisters.
A) Accident.
B) Division.
C) Appeal to pity.
D) Appeal to force.
E) Equivocation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement appeals to pity because it attempts to evoke sympathy for Jimmy's difficult circumstances and suggests that he couldn't possibly be responsible for burning down the school due to his unfortunate situation. However, this argument doesn't actually address the evidence or facts of the case, and it is possible that Jimmy could still be responsible for the fire regardless of his personal struggles.

Surely Little Jimmy Isn't Responsible for Burning Down the School