The Language of Rhetorical Analysis #3

Question 1

Missing the point

Answer 1

The premises of an argument to support a particular conclusion is not the conclusion that the arguer draws

Question 2

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc (also called false cause)

Answer 2

Assuming that because B comes after A, A caused B.

Question 3

Slippery slope

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Weak analogy

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Non-Sequitur

Answer 5

A conclusion or statement that does not logically follow the premise of the argument or statement

Question 6

Ad Populum

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Ad hominem and Tu Quo Que

Answer 7

An argument that is an attack on the person instead of the topic.

Question 8

Appeal to pity

Answer 8

The appeal to pity takes place when the arguer tries to get people to except a conclusion by making them feel sorry for someone.

Question 9

Appeal to authority

Answer 9

Trying to get the audience to agree by pressing them with a famous name, who is really not much of an expert.

Question 10

Straw man

Answer 10

Substituting a persons actual position or argument with a distorted, exaggerated, or misinterpreted version of the position or the argument.

Question 11

Red Herring

Answer 11

Attempting to re-direct the argument parameters to help the person redirecting the argument better respond.

Question 12

False dichotomy

Answer 12

Occurs when an argument presents two options and ignores, either purposefully or out of ignorance, other alternatives

Question 13

Equivocation

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Begging the question or circular reasoning

Answer 14

Presenting a circular argument in which the conclusion was included in the premise.

Question 15

Hasty Generalization

Answer 15

Making assumptions about a whole group based on a sample that is in adequate (usually because it is a typical or two small)