Classical Argument and Flawed Rhetoric Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering argument types, flawed rhetoric, counter-argument structures, and classical argument templates.

Induction

An argument type that abstracts a general pattern from a specific example.

Analogy

An argument type that compares two things, relying on the assumption that similar things deserve similar responses or will yield similar results.

Difference

An argument type that draws conclusions based on comparisons by focusing on differences, assuming that different things deserve different responses and will have different results.

Definition

A common type of argument that guides people to feel a certain way about things by assigning them to a category.

Causation

An argument claiming that something causes or is the effect of something else, typically used to convince the audience of something else rather than standing alone.

Ad Hominem

A flawed rhetorical argument (meaning "to the person" in Latin) that inappropriately attacks the speaker's credibility, concluding the argument is wrong because the speaker cannot be trusted.

Straw Man

An unfair or oversimplified representation of an opponent's viewpoint, effectively fighting a dummy adversary that is much easier to defeat.

Circular Argument

A flawed argument that restates the argument rather than actually addressing or explaining it.

Slippery Slope

A flawed argument where the speaker asserts that one action will set things in motion leading to all sorts of terrible effects, like a line of dominoes toppling.

False Binary

A rhetorical fallacy that oversimplifies an argument by reducing it to only two sides or choices.

Steel Man

The opposite of a straw man argument; restating an opposition's claims in the most generous possible way to demonstrate that even their best version is not as good as your argument.

Concession

A rhetorical component that acknowledges a specific point of the opposition.

Refutation

A statement that gives the reason why the opposition is still wrong.

Rebuttal

The part of an argument that offers expert testimony or empirical evidence to back up the refutation.

Classical Template

A versatile boilerplate containing parts of an argument that can be adapted and configured to meet the needs and expectations of a range of audiences.

Exordium

The part of the classical template that provides an introduction of the speaker and the topic.

Narration

The part of the classical template providing the background information over the topic for the chosen audience.

Partition

The thesis and topic sentences within the classical template, which forecast the direction of the paper and paragraphs.

Argument

The section of the classical template that includes the claims, reasons, and evidence that support your claim.

Refutation

The section of the classical template presenting the opponent's argument, which will be countered.

Peroration

The concluding remarks for the chosen audience in the classical template.

Aristotle's Two-Part Persuasive Argument

A simple arrangement needing only two parts: a claim and a reason to believe that claim, best suited for informed, enthusiastic audiences.