The bandwagon fallacy, also known as appeal to the people, authority of the many, consensus gentium (from Latin consensus gentium), argument by consensus, appeal to the gallery, appeal to popularity or argumentum ad populum, is a fallacy where something is 'proven' by stating that many or all people believe it.
For examples:
- One could claim that smoking is a healthy pastime, since millions of people do it. However, knowing the dangers of smoking, we instead say that smoking is not a healthy pastime despite the fact that millions do it.
- One could claim that 13 is an unlucky number, since many or all people believe it to be. However, statistically 13 is no more unlucky than any other number.
Of course, this only applies to 'something' with an objective criterion, such as the health effects of smoking. In areas of a subjective nature, such as fashion or music, it could be argued that the "authority of the many" or the "appeal to popularity" is a true reflection of the subjective desires of a population group.
While the argument may seem convincing when not examined, a simple refutation would lie in pointing out that at a time not too distant in United States history, it was common to hold other people as slaves, which few people today would consider ethical.
The bandwagon fallacy is a pillar of advertising, along with the appeal to authority fallacy. It is a red herring and genetic fallacy.
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