Argumental Devices Flashcards
Agender shifting
Attempting to change the terms of an argument.
“That’s not important. What is important is this.”
Allusion
Calling something to mind without mentioning it directly.
Historical events, people, literature
“Once again”, reminds the British people f their defeat of the Spanish Armada.
“I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are mad, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to to defend out island home…”
Analogy
Parallel.
Eg Anatoly between Britain’s current situation and a situation in the past.
Anecdote
A brief story story used to personalise an idea or situation.
Appeal to authority
Claiming a respected figure or organisation agrees with them.
“Research shows…”
“Scientific experiments have proven…”
Appeal to popularity
Claims that their view is widely shared. Audience will respond along the lines of “Well if everyone thinks that, it must be right.”
Appeal to values
Mentions something that the audience feels strongly about.
Appeals might invoke feelings of fairness, fame, honour, masculinity, feminism, patriotism, personal pride, religion, tradition, children or family.
They need to protect the value of are at risk of losing it.
Concession
Acknowledging objections or problems with the authors argument.
Creates an impression of fairness or lack of bias.
Polarisation
Either-or set of circumstances.
“If we don’t fight the communists in South East Asia, we’ll be fighting them in our backyards.”
Pre-emoting
Involves mentioning a counter argument in order to rebut it.
