Argumentum ad Crumenam (Appeal to Wealth)
The argumentum ad crumenam is a logical fallacy that assumes wealth, money, or possessions are the measure of the correctness of an argument.
THE IDEA
3.13 ARGUMENTUM AD CRUMENAM
Crumena is Latin for a purse that stores money. The argumentum ad crumenam assumes that wealth, money, or possessions are the measure of the correctness of an argument. For example:
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We should carefully consider Senator Montgomery’s political position. He was a very successful entrepreneur before he became a senator.
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Ruth must be doing something right. Just look at all the nice clothes she has.
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Bill Gates dropped out of college and now he is one of the wealthiest people alive. He must know what he is talking about.
In all of these examples it is assumed that a person’s position is somehow more correct due to the wealth or possessions that he or she has. However, simply because one has a great deal of money, this does not ensure the validity of his or her stance on politics, relationships, or any other matter.
When to use it
Evaluating political candidates based on their business success rather than their policy proposals.
Assuming a celebrity's opinion on health matters is valid because of their wealth.
In a business meeting, giving more weight to the ideas of the highest-paid executive.
Judging the quality of a product because it is expensive.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Senator Montgomery
We should carefully consider Senator Montgomery’s political position. He was a very successful entrepreneur before he became a senator.
Ruth's clothes
Ruth must be doing something right. Just look at all the nice clothes she has.
Bill Gates
Bill Gates dropped out of college and now he is one of the wealthiest people alive. He must know what he is talking about.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How might wealth influence perceptions of authority in your own decision-making?
Can you think of a time when you assumed someone's argument was correct because of their financial success?
What are some situations where financial success is actually relevant to the argument, and when is it a fallacy?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Informal Logical Fallacies A Brief Guide