Ad misericordiam

Is a fallacy in which someone tries to win support for an argument or idea by exploiting one's opponent's feelings of pity or guilt. It is a specific kind of appeal to emotion.

The name "Galileo argument" refers to the scientist's suffering as a result of his house arrest by the Inquisition.

Please feel so sorry for me or my cause that you agree with me.

Gain agreement by sympathy or empathy. Show how you have a deserving cause. Get the other person to put themselves in your shoes and see your sorry plight. Use pictures, testimonies, and other evidence, all turned to your purpose.

Appeal to Pity often uses values as emotional levers to gain compliance. This can be particularly powerful, as it is a strong social force. It is about 'being good' and can easily lead to further commitment.