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Ad Populum logical fallacy (improper appeal to practice)
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- 2. DESCRIPTION The Appeal toCommon Practice is a fallacy with the following structure: 1) X is a common action. 2) Therefore X is correct/moral/justified/reasonable, etc. The basic idea behind the fallacy is that the fact that most people do X is used as “evidence” to support the action or practice. It is a fallacy because the mere fact that most people do something does not make it correct, moral,
- 4. EXAMPLES - Most peoplego at least 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, so no one will care if you do that, too. - Everyone at this company takes home a few office supplies for themselves, so you do it as well. - Yeah, I know some people say that cheating on tests is wrong. But we all know that everyone does it, so it’s okay. - It's okay to let your children spend the night at the house of someone you don't really know
- 6. EXCEPTIONS - Democracy: notevery decision made by society is a right one. That is one of the main reasons for democracy to be criticized. - Customs/traditions: usually they have no logical reasons for existence. But if what is moral is determined by what is commonly practiced, then this argument: 1) Most people do X; 2) Therefore X is morally correct. would not be a fallacy. - Language: if an incorrect expression is commonly used, it becomes correct.
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- 8. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION LozitskayaKatya Kedin Vlad BFL 193