fallacy

Appeal to nature

An appeal to nature argues that something is good because it is natural, or bad because it is unnatural.

How it works

"Natural" carries positive associations, but many natural things are harmful and many artificial ones are beneficial. The word replaces evidence about actual effects.

Examples

"This remedy is all natural, so it can't have side effects."

Many natural substances are toxic; safety depends on evidence, not origin.

"Vaccines aren't natural, so they're bad for you."

Whether something is natural says nothing about its risks and benefits.

How to spot it

"Natural", "chemical-free" or "the way nature intended" offered as proof.
No evidence about actual effects.
The meaning of "natural" is vague.

How to respond

Ask what "natural" means here.
Give counterexamples: natural poisons, beneficial medicines.
Ask for evidence about outcomes.