The phrase, "wisdom of the crowd," is an oxymoron. However, it is becoming widely accepted that the belief held by a majority of people is somehow "wiser" than the minority who might know better. In addition to the television show with the same name, this "wisdom" was explored in episode seven of "The Orville," a somewhat uneven sci-fi parody of Star Trek.
"Majority Rule" is set in a society where everyone votes up or down on everything using their ubiquitous smart phones. During a discussion with Lysella, one of the inhabitants of this society, an observation by the robot-like Isaac says it best:
Captain Mercer: "So this is an absolute democracy?"
Lysella: "Yes. How does your world work?"
Captain Mercer: "We select representatives who discuss issues and enact laws."
Lysella: "But ... what about everybody else? Everybody deserves a voice. That's what we're taught."
Lieutenant Commander Bortus: "A voice should be earned ... not given away."
Captain Mercer: "How do you know what foods are healthiest for your children or what medicine to take if you're sick?"
Lysella: "We vote."
Isaac: "I believe you are confusing opinion with knowledge."
The belief that the "wisdom of the crowd" is superior to a few knowledgeable individuals is, of course, the commonly-held opinion of the crowd itself.
