When force, coercion, or even a threat of force is used in place of a reason in an attempt to justify a conclusion.
Examples:
- Melvin: Boss, why do I have to work weekends when nobody else in the company does? Boss: Am I sensing insubordination? I can find another employee very quickly, thanks to Craigslist, you know.
Synonyms: argument to the cudgel, appeal to the stick