The Language of Rhetorical Analysis #3 Flashcards
Missing the point
The premises of an argument to support a particular conclusion is not the conclusion that the arguer draws
Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc (also called false cause)
Assuming that because B comes after A, A caused B.
Slippery slope
The arguer were claims that a sort of chain reaction, usually ending in some dire consequences, will take place, but there is really not enough evidence for that assumption.
Weak analogy
If two things being compared aren’t alike in a relevant aspects, the analogy is a week one, the argument, that relies on it commits the fallacy of the week analogy
Non-Sequitur
A conclusion or statement that does not logically follow the premise of the argument or statement
Ad Populum
The arguer takes advantage of the desire most people have to be liked and to fit in with others and uses that desire to try to get the audience to except his or her argument.
Ad hominem and Tu Quo Que
An argument that is an attack on the person instead of the topic.
Appeal to pity
The appeal to pity takes place when the arguer tries to get people to except a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone.
Appeal to authority
Trying to get the audience to agree by pressing them with a famous name, who is really not much of an expert.
Straw man
Substituting a persons actual position or argument with a distorted, exaggerated, or misinterpreted version of the position or the argument.
Red Herring
Attempting to re-direct the argument parameters to help the person redirecting the argument better respond.
False dichotomy
Occurs when an argument presents two options and ignores, either purposefully or out of ignorance, other alternatives
Equivocation
Occurs when a key term or phrase in an argument is used in an ambiguous way, with one meaning in one portion of the argument and the other meanings in another portion of the argument.
Begging the question or circular reasoning
Presenting a circular argument in which the conclusion was included in the premise.
Hasty Generalization
Making assumptions about a whole group based on a sample that is in adequate (usually because it is a typical or two small)