The following statement appears in a university's report to its board of regents: "Several other notable universities, including Stanford and Harvard, are offering massive, open online classes, or MOOCs. It is imperative for Old State University to keep pace in the educational marketplace." What type of reasoning does the passage display?
A) arguing from ignorance
B) circular argument
C) ad hominem argument
D) ad populum argument

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passage is using an ad populum argument by pointing out that other notable universities are offering MOOCs, implying that Old State University should also offer MOOCs in order to keep up with the educational marketplace. This argument appeals to the popularity or majority opinion, rather than providing evidence for why MOOCs would be beneficial for Old State University specifically.

The Following Statement Appears in a University's Report to Its