November 28, 2008
Quote of the Day, November 28th, 2008
“The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.”
-Bertrand Russell
This is a perfect response to the logical fallacy of argumentum ad populum (appeal to the people). Just because a lot of people think that God exists doesn’t mean that he does. It is not evidence for God’s existence; it is evidence of the popularity of that belief and nothing more.
December 1st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
It may seem illogical to conclude that because a majority thinks something to be true, it then is. However, that is the case with the things we consider to be logically sound and valid as well. Yes, we can test whether the sky is blue, and we cannot test whether God exists (yet). That in no way means we can rely 100% on the idea that the sky is blue. One day we may all wake up to a truly red sky for no apparent cause.
My point is: although using popular belief as evidence or proof is a logical fallacy, popular belief in any case, such as the existence with God or the wavelength of light, is always subject to change.
December 1st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
You’re not really saying anything, though, Brett. I understand that popular belief is subject to change. And it’s not enough to say that “things we consider to be logically sound and valid” are supported by majority opinion, because sometimes they’re not. What I am pointing out is that a majority opinion is not valid as evidence; making an argument from opinion does not follow the rules of logic.
As for the sky turning red: Yes, we may find the majority opinion is that the sky changes color from time to time (i.e. smog), but we can actually test WHY it has changed color (we actually can test for true color, btw). The opinion that it has changed color, however, is not evidence that it has.