Argumentum Novitatis, also known as the appeal to novelty, is a cognitive bias that causes people to place undue value on new and unfamiliar things, ideas, or techniques simply because they are new. This bias is often used as an informal logical fallacy, where people assume that newer is always better, even in the absence of evidence to support such a claim. This fallacy can lead people to make poor decisions, as they may overlook the potential drawbacks or risks associated with new and untested ideas or products. One of the key drivers of Argumentum Novitatis is the human desire for novelty and excitement. People are naturally attracted to new and novel experiences, as they provide a sense of stimulation and excitement that can be lacking in routine or familiar activities. This desire for novelty can be exploited by marketers and advertisers, who often use the appeal to novelty to promote new products or services, even if they offer no real advantages over existing options. Another important aspect of Argumentum Novitatis is the role of social influence. People are often influenced by the opinions and behaviors of others, particularly those in positions of authority or influence. When a new idea or product is introduced, it may be endorsed or promoted by influential individuals or groups, leading others to adopt it without questioning its merits or drawbacks. Despite its potential drawbacks, Argumentum Novitatis can also have positive effects, particularly in the context of innovation and progress. New ideas and technologies can lead to significant advancements in various fields, and the appeal to novelty can help to drive innovation and creativity. However, it is important to balance this desire for novelty with critical thinking and a careful evaluation of the potential risks and benefits of new ideas and products.
cognitive bias, logical fallacy, novelty, human desire, social influence, innovation, progress
CITATION : "William Robinson. 'Argumentum Novitatis.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=357590 (Accessed on June 30, 2025)"
Argumentum Novitatis is a cognitive bias that causes people to find something more attractive because it is new and unfamiliar. It is a logical fallacy that can lead people to make decisions without considering all the facts. For example, when a child is presented with two toys, one that is brand new and one that is old, they may be more likely to choose the new one, even if the old one is a better choice.
Argument of Novelty, Newness Bias, Freshness Bias.
Argumentum novitatis is a cognitive bias that is based on the assumption that newer items, ideas, or techniques are better than the older ones, even if no evidence of such superiority is present. This bias is often used as an informal logical fallacy and is related to the gambler's fallacy. People tend to believe that the new item is superior as it is novel and that the old item is inferior as it is outdated. This is a fallacy as the novelty of an item does not guarantee superiority and is often used to market new products or ideas in a biased way, disregarding any evidence to the contrary.
Argumentum novitatis, cognitive bias, logical fallacy, gambler's fallacy.
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