Elements of Rhetoric English III: American Literature|| D. Glen Smith, instructor

Deductive & Inductive Arguments Both styles of argument are used to construct strong hypotheses and thesis statements. Both systems arrive at conclusions assumed to establish a defendable truth. English III: American Literature|| D. Glen Smith, instructor

Definition of Deductive Arguments Deduction—a style of argument which draws conclusions from evidence assumed to be true; the results are expected to be valid and based on truth. Information provided must move from general observations to specific notions. Consider Sherlock Holmes, the classic example, taking evidence from a scene to deduce the criminal mastermind behind the crime; highly skilled in logic and reason. English III: American Literature|| D. Glen Smith, instructor

Thomas Jefferson In his various drafts of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson uses a deductive rationale to justify the colonies’ position for abandoning English rule. • explaining laws and regulations is best expressed through deduction • notice in the example provided that he moves from a general observation (topic sentence) to a specific point (his thesis) English III: American Literature|| D. Glen Smith, instructor

Thomas Jefferson We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. English III: American Literature|| D. Glen Smith, instructor

Definition of Inductive Arguments Induction—a style of argument which moves from specific facts (or basic observations of an event) to generalities Such arguments can be based on personal experiences and then applied to broader conclusions resolving issues within global society or a smaller, individual community. Moral themes or scientific proposals work best with inductive arguments. English III: American Literature|| D. Glen Smith, instructor

Elizabeth Howell In a recently published article on the Space.com website, (Jan. 2018) “Triton: Neptune’s Odd Moon,” the author Elizabeth Howell uses an inductive outline in her introductory paragraphs • based on observations and past evidence • conclusion shows a probable analysis English III: American Literature|| D. Glen Smith, instructor

Elizabeth Howell Triton is the largest of Neptune's moons. Discovered in 1846 by British astronomer William Lassell — just weeks after Neptune itself was found — the moon showed some strange characteristics as astronomers learned more about it. To NASA's knowledge, Triton is the only moon in the solar system that orbits in a direction opposite to the rotation of its planet. Additionally, its surface is a study of contrasts, with smooth plains appearing to be right next to cratered surfaces. No spacecraft has gone to Neptune since the 1980s, but telescopes are capturing new data on Triton from the ground. A notable recent find was discovering seasons on the moon, using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. Renewed interest in Triton began shortly after the New Horizons mission flew past Pluto in 2015. NASA released the best high-resolution map of Triton to date in 2014 in anticipation of the flyby, because it is believed that Triton and Pluto could share a similar history. They are of similar size, have nitrogen in their atmospheres and also icy surfaces. English III: American Literature|| D. Glen Smith, instructor