Logical Fallacies and Rhetorical Devices

Logical Fallacies and Rhetorical Devices

By Chamario Chopp

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RHETORICAL DEVICES	LOGICAL FALLACIES  ​
​Rhetorical Devices a technique that an author or speaker uses to influence or persuade an audience. ​ can strengthen a writer’s argument ​	​Logical Fallacies an incorrect or problematic argument that is not based on sound reasoning. ​ mistake in reasoning ​ weakens or damages a writer’s arguments ​
Examples:  rhetorical question: question with an obvious answer  ​   ​ repetition: repeating an idea using the same words or keywords. ​   ​ analogies: comparison of two things for the purpose of explaining an idea ​   ​ juxtaposition: two or more ideas are placed side by side to highlight similarities and differences  ​   ​ parallelism: use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in their construction, sound, or meaning  ​   ​ rhetorical shifts: occurs when speakers or writers alter their style or tone in a piece. ​   ​ antithesis:  two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect ​	Examples:  sweeping generalization: a conclusion that is too broad and is not supported by the facts. ​ ​ circular reasoning: when you attempt to make an argument by beginning with an assumption that what you are trying to prove is already true ​ ​ red herring:  when an unrelated topic is introduced in an argument to divert the attention of the readers from the original issue ​ ​ hyperbole:  inflated or over-enthusiastic statements ​ ​ emotional appeals:  writer attempts to win an argument by trying to get an emotional reaction from the reader ​ ​ stereotype:  making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate ​ ​ hasty generalization: a general statement that does not have sufficient evidence to support it ​

Decide which of the titles are most likely argumentative essays.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Poll

Eleven-Year-Old Speaks Up for Endangered Gorillas 

• Yes

• No

Poll

Too Much Money Can Ruin Your Life

• Yes

• No

Poll

Climate Change Disrupting Monarch Butterfly Migration 

• Yes

• No

Poll

The History of Nike Sneakers

• Yes

• No

Poll

Is it Okay to Miss School for Vacation?

• Yes

• No

Poll

The Women of NASA

• Yes

• No

Open Ended

 

“Are you noticing any examples of rhetorical devices, or ideas that strengthen the author’s argument?” 

Open Ended

“Are you noticing any examples of logical fallacies, or ideas that weaken the author’s argument?” 

Open Ended

In paragraph 5, why does the author think the people she observes are happy?  What logical fallacy does her conclusion represent?  Explain