J+Stratton



Fallacy: Argument to the People (Argumentum ad Populum)

Explanation: Argument to the People is a fallacy that occurs when something is considered being true simply because it is popular. An example is "The fact that the majority of our citizens support the death penalty proves that it is morally right". This is a good example because it's stating that just because the majority believes it is a good idea than that means it should be done. This fallacy is often found in commercials. Another example is Cheerios cereal uses the slogan "Americas favorite cereal". It may be a popular product but that does not mean it is Americas favorite because it is popular.

media type="youtube" key="b62AY2lfI2g" width="420" height="315" The video explains that smoking Camels cigarettes is better because doctors smoke them. Camel is trying to convince smokers that their product is the best because “More doctors smoke camels than any other cigarette.” After viewing the video, those who smoke are going to be persuaded that Camels cigarettes are good enough for doctors to smoke so they are good enough for them as well. the audience will start to think that if the doctors think it is the best then it must be the best.

media type="youtube" key="tXqAyMhgc7I" width="560" height="315" Four out of five dentists recommend that their patients chew trident. Viewers are supposed to believe that if the majority of dentists recommend trident, then it must be the best product. They ask you to believe it so people will choose their product because the experts recommend it. It is popular to a majority of the people but that does not mean everyone enjoys it or should choose trident.