Argumentum ad populum says an idea is true or correct because it is popular, because “everyone believes it” or because it has been held for a long time.
Example
“Millions believe in this cure, therefore it works.”
(The number of believers does not prove efficacy.)
Applied example (political)
“Most people support this law, therefore it is just.”
(Popularity is not justice.)
Applied example (mystical)
“Many people read horoscopes, so they must be reliable.”
(Quantity does not validate the method.)
Why it is fallacious
- Popularity is not evidence of truth.
- History shows mass beliefs that were false.
- It confuses social consensus with empirical validation.
How to spot it
- Phrases like “we have always done it this way” or “everyone knows”.
- Tradition used as proof.
- Lack of verifiable data.
How to respond
- Ask for independent, replicable evidence.
- Recognize that a belief can be popular and wrong.
- Separate custom from truth.