Rhetorical Ploys

Question 1

How would you define Rhetorical Ploys in relation to argument?

Answer 1

Rhetorical ploys are non-argumentative

Question 2

In what way are Rhetorical Ploys effective?

Answer 2

Make direct appeal to feeling and emotion, rather than reason (which is the domain of argument)

Question 3

Rhetorical Ploys:

Answer 3

-appeals to specific feelings:

-appeal to novelty
-appeal to popularity
-appeal to compassion, pity or guilt
-appeal to cuteness/sexiness/power/status/wealth
-appeal to fear (scare tactics)
appeal to ridicule

Question 4

attempts to persuade us to try or buy something because the item is new and, by implication, different from and better than existing related items. Appeals to our (vain) desire to not appear inflexible or stuck in the mud.

Answer 4

Appeal to Novelty

Question 5

appeals to our desire to run with the crowd.
not to appear different to the norm.
not to miss out on what others have.

Answer 5

Appeal to popularity

Question 6

operates by attempting to move to do something purely by evoking a feeling of compassion towards the recipients of the suggested act or belief, or a feeling of guilt towards their plight.

Answer 6

Appeal to compassion, pity or guilt.

Question 7

elicit fear in one’s audience in order to influence their behaviour or attitudes.

Answer 7

Appeal to fear (scare tactics)

Question 8

ploy in which the speaker ATTACKS their opponent’s position or claim by CASTING IT IN A LIGHT that will make it seem ridiculous to their audience.

Answer 8

Appeal to ridicule