Critical Thinking Lecture 4 Rhetoric By David Kelsey

Rhetoric Rhetoric: Rhetorical devices are called slanters Linguistic devices which are used to … Rhetorical devices are called slanters Positive and negative slants Grandmother example

Rhetorical force and Logical force The Logical Force of a phrase or sentence is the power of that phrase or sentence to __________________ The rhetorical force of a phrase or sentence is the power of that phrase or sentence to __________________ Al Gore example

Rhetorical comparisons and definitions A rhetorical comparison is a comparison used to express or influence attitudes. Short example A Rhetorical definition: smuggles prejudice of one sort or another into the meaning of a term. Abortion example

Rhetorical Explanations A Rhetorical Explanation smuggles in prejudice of one sort or another with the aim of influencing attitudes or behavior. The Boxer example

Euphemisms A Euphemism is a neutral or positive expression as opposed to one that carries negative associations. Deception: Examples: Used cars Assassination attempts Freedom fighters Passing away

Dysphemisms A Dysphemism: Deception: Examples: a negative expression as opposed to one that carries positive or neutral associations with it. Deception: Examples: The freedom fighter again Ax example

Stereotypes A stereotype is a thought or image about a group of people based on little or no evidence.

Stereotypes #2 Denigrate: Examples: Favorable impressions: Most stereotypes denigrate a group of individuals, for example: Examples: Favorable impressions:

Innuendo Innuendo: uttering a sentence or phrase with the intention of communicating what is implied by what one utters. Suggestion Examples

Innuendo #2 Innuendo insinuating something negative about something or someone without actually saying it. WC Fields example And we can use innuendo to condemn someone with faint praise

Loaded Questions A loaded question is a question that implies an unjustified claim. Examples: “Have you stopped beating her?” Police officer

Weaslers A weasler is a word or phrase, which, when inserted into a claim, helps protect it from criticism by watering it down or by weakening it. A way out Weasling words include: Using a weasler to create innuendo

Weaslers #2 An example of a Weasler: “Three out of four dentists surveyed recommend sugarless gum for their patients who chew gum”. This claim contains two Weasling expressions. 1. 2. A trivial recommendation

Downplayers Downplayers are words or phrases used to make someone or something look less important or significant. Examples:

Horse Laugh A Horse laugh (i.e. ridicule) is a word or phrase used to get a laugh at the expense of someone or something. A horse laugh is no objection: Examples: Unrelated jokes Laughing at someone or something Making fun

Hyperbole Some examples: Hyperbole is extravagant overstatement. Hang nail …

Proof surrogates A proof surrogate: Examples: a phrase or expression used to suggest that there is evidence or authority for a claim without actually citing the evidence or authority. Examples: