|
|
BREAKEVEN OUTPUT: The quantity of output in which the total revenue is equal to total cost such that a firm earns exactly a normal profit, but no economic profit. Breakeven output can be identified by the intersection of the total revenue curve and total cost curve, or by the intersection of the average total cost curve and average revenue curve. The most straightforward way of noting breakeven output, however, is with the profit curve. For a perfectly competitive firm breakeven output occurs where price is equal to average total cost.
Visit the GLOSS*arama
|
|
|
|
                           FALLACY OF MASS APPEAL: The logical fallacy of arguing that something is "correct" or "true" because a majority of the population thinks so. This is commonly used by both advertisers and politicians. Just because something is popular, does not mean it is "right." In fact, a cynic might argue that being popular probably makes it "wrong." The fallacy of mass appeal relies on the power of popular opinion to sway an argument one way or the other. In a society adhering to the principles of democratic government, the weight of mass opinion is truly important. Policies or programs favored by a majority of the population are the ones that tend to be enacted. And this is usually appropriate.However, being popular does not mean logically correct. The majority of the population does not necessarily understand the complexities of the macroeconomy, genetic research, or environmental quality. Majority votes on policies designed to stabilize business cycles, reduce unemployment, or control inflation might produce popular, but ineffective or even counter productive results. While it might seem somewhat elitist, in some cases experts really do know best. Here are some examples of the fallacy of mass appeal: - A commercial touts the OmniMotors XL GT 9000 sports utility vehicle as the best sports utility vehicle on the market because 9 million have been sold.
- Another commercial promotes that blockbuster movie, "Brace Brickhead, Medical Spy," as the best movie to see this weekend because it was the top revenue grossing movie last weekend.
- A Congressional representative argues that the United States should invade Canada because recent polls show that no one really likes hockey or Canadians.
Hopefully the mass-appeal fallacies contained in each example is easily seen. The best sports utility vehicle or movie, especially the best one for a particular person, is not necessarily the one everyone else likes, buys, or thinks is best. And while a majority of Americans might not like or understand hockey, this alone does not justify an invasion of Canada. The founding fathers of the U. S. Constitution evidently had a firm grasp on problems that might arise due to the fallacy of mass appeal. Although most government actions are based on democratic "rule of the majority," the Bill of Rights was included specifically to protect against they tyranny of the majority (and the fallacy of mass appeal), to protect the few from the actions of the many. They were clearly aware of the propensity of government leaders to act upon the wishes of the majority, even though it might mean committing the fallacy of mass appeal.
Recommended Citation:FALLACY OF MASS APPEAL, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2018. [Accessed: April 26, 2018].
Check Out These Related Terms... | | | | | | |
Or For A Little Background... | | | |
And For Further Study... | | | | |
Search Again?
Back to the WEB*pedia
|
|
|
BLUE PLACIDOLA
[What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time touring the new suburban shopping complex hoping to buy either a lazy Susan for you dining room table or a set of serrated steak knives, with durable plastic handles. Be on the lookout for rusty deck screws.
Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
|
|
|
The Dow Jones family of stock market price indexes began with a simple average of 11 stock prices in 1884.
|
|
|
"Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations. " -- Steve Jobs, Apple Computer founder
|
|
DOC
Department of Commerce
|
|
|
Tell us what you think about AmosWEB. Like what you see? Have suggestions for improvements? Let us know. Click the User Feedback link.
User Feedback
|
|
