Definition:
“Argumentum ad populum,” also known as the “appeal to popularity” or “bandwagon fallacy,” is a logical fallacy that occurs when something is considered true or right simply because it is widely believed or practiced by many people. This fallacy relies on the popularity of a belief as evidence for its validity, rather than presenting logical reasoning or actual evidence.
Etymology:
The term “argumentum ad populum” is Latin, meaning “argument to the people” or “appeal to the people.”
Description:
Here are some common examples of argumentum ad populum:
- “This phone must be the best because it is the best-selling model.”
- “We should implement this policy because the majority of voters support it.”
- “This fashion trend is good because everyone is wearing it.”
- “Everyone knows that this diet works, so it must be effective.”
Argumentum ad populum is one of the most popular fallacies used for the existence of God and is also the same fallacy used for political elections. People tend to believe the one in a talent show that gets the most votes is always the best. And when it comes to collecting signatures, you can get people to sign for almost any cause, no matter how absurd. On the TV show “Penn & Teller: Bullshit!” in season 1, episode 13, called “Environmental Hysteria,” they demonstrate this by asking people to sign a petition to ban water, referring to it as “dihydrogen monoxide” which is a systematic name for water, something most people are ignorant about. Click to watch the video clip.
People often use the same argument in reverse, claiming that a statement cannot be true because it is little known or unpopular.
Articles:
Religion:
Religious texts often reflect the influence of widespread beliefs.
In the Bible, in Exodus, chapter 23, verse 2 (NIV), it says: “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.” It must be understood that the biblical definition of “wrong” is that which is not God’s will. God’s will is wrong.