Why Is The Ad Populum A Fallacy
1980; Penn State University Press; Volume: 13; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
1527-2079
Autores Tópico(s)Medieval Philosophy and Theology
ResumoThe traditional informal fallacy of argumentum ad populum is standardly characterized as fallacy committed by directing an emotional appeal to feelings or enthusiasms of the gallery or the people to win assent to an argument adequately supported by proper evidence. What is thereby characterized certainly finds mark in pointing up a widespread ethical deficiency of advertising practices and a quotidian rhetorical shortcoming familiar in many aspects of public aff airs. But is it a fallacy? Specifically what is wrong, as a deficiency of correct argument, with appealing to popular enthusiasm? And if this appeal can be a fallacy, exactly what manner of argument is it that is thought to be incorrect? In other words, exactly what is meant in this context by phrase not adequately supported by proper evidence? These are hard questions, but they need to be asked. We are told by a certain hamburger chain that buying their produci is virtually an affront to patriotic clean living, cheerful industrious dedication, and happy family togetherness. Wouldn't it be better if this commercial time were allocated to giving rational evidence that food they seil is a good value or has arguable nutritional advantages? We are told by an oil Company that nature is beautiful. Wouldn't it be better if this time were
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