To start us off...maybe we can start thinking for ourselves a bit????
[b]Argumentum ad populum (Bandwagon Fallacy)[/b] The bandwagon fallacy works by having someone conform beliefs that are based on the popularity of their position. People who use this fallacy will attribute the popularity of their belief to also be validation to its truthfulness. Instead of conforming their belief based on evidence, they will instead be convinced that if the majority of people believe something to be true, then it must therefore be true.
Example: Sam: Why are you a Christian?
Julian: Well, there are over 2 billion Christians in the world. How can all those people be wrong? I'd rather side with the majority than with a fringe group of nonbelievers.
(Disclaimer: there is NO argument about any faith, including Christianity, this is not a slight on the Faith, just an example used: Justreplace with Muslim or Atheist or Jewish...thanks)
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[quote]The bandwagon fallacy works by having someone conform beliefs that are based on the popularity of their position[/quote]So true in many ways. I see it here often as well. I think it must be easier for most humans to go with the flow versus standing independent and holding to their own convictions. Plus they want to be liked and accepted by who/what they perceive as popular.
