Appeal to Popularity
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What it is
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Treating widespread acceptance as sufficient evidence that a claim is true or a practice is justified.
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Example
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Answering a moral criticism of religion by pointing to the number of believers.
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Why it matters
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Prevalence does not resolve the criticism. Most people can be mistaken.
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Distinction
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Expert consensus can carry weight because of the evidence and methods supporting it. Popularity alone does not supply that foundation.
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Related
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Unavailable reference
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