1. Reasoning & Problem Solving Lecture 4 Rhetoric
By David Kelsey

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. Stereotypes #2 Denigrate: Examples: Favorable impressions:
Most stereotypes denigrate a group of individuals, for example:
Examples:
Men, Women and Southerners
Dysphemisms as well as stereotypes
Favorable impressions:
Older men and Brazilians
These are examples of Euphemisms as well.

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

11. 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
Competent in many regards
On time this time

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Downplayers
Downplayers are words or phrases used to make someone or something look less important or significant.
Examples:
So-called
Mere or merely
Quotation marks

16. 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

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

18. 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:
Informed sources say
Studies show
Just use citations!