Argument to the Purse
A logical fallacy where the truth of an argument is judged based on the financial status of the arguer, either assuming wealth indicates correctness or poverty indicates wisdom.
THE IDEA
Description
Judging a claim as true or false because of the speaker’s wealth or poverty rather than the reasons supporting it.
Logical Form
- If A is wealthy, then A's argument is true.
- If A is poor, then A's argument is true.
Examples
Example #1: Appeal to Wealth
While my financial status might impress the participants at an Amway conference, it has little to do with my knowledge of fallacies. However, remember the argument from fallacy: just because the argument is fallacious does not mean the conclusion is not true.
Example #2: Appeal to Poverty
Just like people tend to associate wealth with wisdom, they also associate extreme poverty with wisdom. Rich people are rich and poor people are poor – which members of those groups have wisdom does not depend on their financial status.
Exception
If one’s wealth, or lack thereof, is directly related to the truth value of an argument, then it is not a fallacy.
Tip
Ask whether the speaker’s financial status is relevant evidence for this particular claim.
When to use it
When evaluating investment advice from a wealthy celebrity.
When assessing a political candidate's policy proposals based on their personal wealth or lack thereof.
In a debate, pointing out that the opponent's financial status is irrelevant to the argument.
When making hiring decisions, avoiding assumptions about competence based on wealth or poverty.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Appeal to Wealth
Assuming that a wealthy person's argument is correct simply because they are rich. For instance, believing a billionaire's investment advice without question because of their financial success, ignoring the quality of the argument.
Appeal to Poverty
Assuming that a poor person's argument is correct because they are not corrupted by wealth. For example, 'He lives in poverty, so he must be wise and his opinion on economics is trustworthy.'
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you recall a time when you accepted an argument because the person was wealthy? How might you evaluate that differently?
When might a story about poverty lead you to accept a claim without examining its evidence?
Why is it problematic to judge an argument based on the speaker's financial status?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Logically Fallacious - The Ultimate Collection of Over 300 Logical Fallacies