Argumentum ad populum
The argumentum ad populum (appeal to the people) is a logical fallacy that claims a belief, attitude, or value is correct simply because a group of people holds it, ignoring that groups can be wrong.
THE IDEA
3.8 ARGUMENTUM AD POPULUM
Argumentum ad populum, or argument from the people, is a fallacy that appeals to a group of people’s beliefs, tastes or values. The people appealed to can be a small group, such as an individual clique or church group, or it can be a large group of people such as Republicans, Baptists, or feminists. The argumentum ad populum fallacy states that because a group holds a particular belief, attitude or value, this must lend support to the correctness of that belief, attitude or value. Also, the ad populum argument often claims that because the group is a certain way, the listener should accept the group’s manner or action—or at least consider it as valid. For example:
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The Southern Baptist Convention holds belief x. Therefore, you should hold belief x.
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The Democratic Party endorses candidate Fuller for president. Because you are a registered Democrat, you should support candidate Fuller.
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Our family has always acted in manner x. Since you are part of this family you should act in manner x as well.
In these examples, a group is appealed to as the authority on a particular issue. The fallacy occurs in assuming that the group is correct. Often the opinions of groups can be wrong. Consider outdated scientific and mythological beliefs. Consider forms of racism, sexism, and fascism practiced by many groups. Simply because a group of people hold a certain set of beliefs to be correct, this does not in any way imply the accurateness of these beliefs.
Argumentum ad populum is also known as the democratic fallacy. In a democracy, laws are passed and officials are given offices by the consensus of the largest number of people. However, simply because a large group of voters believe one course of action to be the best, this does not ensure that the vote of the majority is necessarily correct or right.
Beliefs, attitudes, and values need to be closely examined separately from the groups that support them. No matter who or how many people hold a certain belief, their advocacy does not prove its correctness.
When to use it
In a political debate, a candidate says 'Most Americans support this policy, so it must be right.' This is an ad populum fallacy that avoids examining the policy on its merits.
A commercial claims 'Join the millions who have switched to our brand!' implying that popularity equals quality, which is a fallacy.
In a classroom, a student argues that a certain scientific theory must be true because 'everyone believes it,' ignoring the need for evidence.
When deciding a moral issue, someone might say 'Our community has always done it this way, so it is the correct way.' This fallaciously appeals to tradition and group consensus.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Religious Belief
The Southern Baptist Convention holds belief x. Therefore, you should hold belief x.
Political Endorsement
The Democratic Party endorses candidate Fuller for president. Because you are a registered Democrat, you should support candidate Fuller.
Family Tradition
Our family has always acted in manner x. Since you are part of this family you should act in manner x as well.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a popular opinion you once held that later turned out to be false. How does that example illustrate the weakness of argumentum ad populum?
Why might a politician or advertiser deliberately use an ad populum argument to persuade you? How can you spot it?
Can you recall a time when a majority decision in a group setting was later proven to be mistaken? What does that reveal about relying on consensus for truth?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Informal Logical Fallacies A Brief Guide