Which appeal encourages compliance based on the authority of a person or group?

The appeal that encourages compliance based on the authority of a person or group is identified as an appeal to authority. This rhetorical strategy involves invoking the endorsement or position of individuals or entities that are recognized as credible or authoritative within a specific context. For instance, if a well-respected scientist makes a claim about climate change, that statement may persuade others to accept it simply because of the scientist's credentials and expertise.

This method is effective in arguments where the audience may not have sufficient knowledge or information to evaluate the claims independently; they rely on the credibility of the authority figure to guide their opinion or decision. In debates or advocacy, utilizing this type of appeal can strengthen an argument, especially if the authority is relevant to the subject matter at hand.

Other options, such as emotional appeals, focus on influencing the audience’s feelings rather than relying on authority. Civil disobedience refers to the active refusal to obey certain laws as a form of protest, and majoring on minors relates to focusing on trivial details rather than significant issues. These did not directly connect to the reliance on authority for compliance.