Lessons in Logic
Fallacies of Distraction
Fallacy #2 – Ad populum
Ad populum is an appeal “to the people”. It occurs when when an argument depends upon swaying the emotions or prejudices of the crowd. It is sometimes called bandwagon or the “everybody else is doing it” fallacy. Such as…
”Over 190 million drivers have switched to Progressive; we can’t wait for you to call, too.”
or
”You should support Stephen Douglas for office. Polls show him far ahead of Abraham Lincoln.”
or
“Sony. Ask anyone.”
Sometimes this takes the form of an appeal to pity or fear…
”I deserve an A in your class. If I don’t get good grades , my parents won’t let me drive the car.”
From real life…
As a form of sordid humor, I frequently call on people (primarily educated adultish people) to do things simply because “everybody’s doing it.” Usually this occurs when the person is reluctant to make a decision and I want to pull them to my side. Such as if they are wavering between two entree choices or whether to attend an outing or not. This isn’t high form humor (but the polite guffaws continue) but it’s ironic to hear the obvious fallacy presented as a reason to do something so mundane.
Beware the ad populum.
Also, I would welcome you to comment with any ad populums of your own.
