Examples
This fallacy is sometimes committed while trying to convince a person that a widely popular thought is true.
- Nine out of ten of my constituents oppose the bill, therefore it is a bad idea.
- Nine out of ten of my fellow congressmen favor the bill, therefore it is a good idea.
Other examples:
- Fifty million Elvis fans can't be wrong.
- Everyone's doing it.
- In a court of law, the jury vote by majority; therefore they will always make the correct decision.
- Google gives more hits when this spelling is applied, therefore this has to be the correct spelling.
Read more about this topic: Argumentum Ad Populum
Famous quotes containing the word examples:
“There are many examples of women that have excelled in learning, and even in war, but this is no reason we should bring ‘em all up to Latin and Greek or else military discipline, instead of needle-work and housewifry.”
—Bernard Mandeville (1670–1733)
“It is hardly to be believed how spiritual reflections when mixed with a little physics can hold people’s attention and give them a livelier idea of God than do the often ill-applied examples of his wrath.”
—G.C. (Georg Christoph)
“Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.”
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744)