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Points to Ponder

Argumentum ad Populum

Wikipedia defined Argumentum ad Populum.

In argumentation theory, an argument ad populum is a fallacious argument that concludes that a proposition is true because many or most people believe it: “If many believe so, it is so.”

It Is Also Known By:

  • appeal to the masses
  • appeal to belief
  • appeal to the majority
  • appeal to popularity
  • consensus fallacy

This fallacy is sometimes committed while trying to convince a person that a widely popular thought is true based SOLELY on the fact that it is a widely popular thought. In argumentum ad populum, the population's experience, expertise or authority is not taken in consideration by the author.

Examples

  • 9 out of 10 people in the US claim this bill is a bad idea; therefore, this bill is bad for people.
  • Everyone's doing it therefore it must be good.
  • 50 million Elvis fans can't be wrong.