Visual Arguments

(ASPCA Advertisement)

This image makes the argument that any observer must save this dog because its life matters. The argument is an emotional argument designed to tug at any observer's heart strings so they will want to donate to the ASPCA or adopt a dog. The only reason this argument is successful is because it makes the observer feel sad and therefore the observer pities the dog in the photo and wants to save the dog, all dogs. When the observer becomes sad upon looking at this image, he or she doesn't want to be sad anymore. Logically, the observer arrives at the conclusion that saving the dog's life will take away the sadness the observer doesn't want to feel. Therefore, the observer donates to the ASPCA and/or tries to adopt a dog.

Question for Discussion: What are other emotions that visual arguments might rely on?