Rhetorical Analogies, Definitions, & Explanations
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Transcript of Rhetorical Analogies, Definitions, & Explanations
Rhetorical Analogies, Definitions, & Explanations
Jaime Francisquez
Rhetorical AnalogiesComparison of two things or a likening of one thing to another in order to make one of them appear better or worse than it might be
Different: Substitute for arguments, include both metaphors & similes, includes comparisons, and the comparisons can be problematic
Problems in vagueness
Examples
Substitute for arguments: Facts are required to show that SS is financially unsustainable; it's less work & possibly just as effective to call it a Ponzi scheme
Metaphors: "Jenna is a loose cannon"
Similes: "Hillary's eyes bulge just a little, like a Chihuahua's"
Comparison Examples
Comparison: "You have a better chance of being struck by lightning than winning the lottery"
"Having kids is like having a bowling alley installed in your brain"
Problematic comparison: "Now 25% larger"
"New and improved formula"
"Quietest by far"
Keep in mind!Is important information missing?
Is the same standard of comparison used?
Are the same reporting and recording practices being used?
Are the items comparable?
Is the comparison expressed as an average?
Averages are measures of central tendency and there are different kinds of measures or averages (mean, median or mode)
Chapter 3 Kinds of DefinitionsDefinition by example (ostensive): pointing to,
naming, or otherwise identifying one or more examples of the sort of thing to which the term applies
Definition by synonym: giving another word or phrase that means the same as the term being defined
Analytical definition: specifying the feature that a thing must possess in order for the term being defined to apply to it
Almost all dictionary definitions are of the analytical variety
Rhetorical Definitions
Use emotively charged language to express or elicit an attitude about something
Difference: Definitions by example can slant a discussion if the examples are prejudicially chosen
Example: Defining abortion as "The murder of an unborn child"
Rhetorical Explanations
Explanation intended to influence attitudes or affect behavior
Difference: same kind of slanting device, this time clothed as explanation (endow (give) with a particular quality)
Example: "He lost the fight because he's lost his nerve" vs "he was too cautious?"