Rhetoric & the Aristotelian Proofs (Key Terms)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Page 1 notes: Aristotelian proofs, reasoning methods, common rhetorical devices, and fallacies.

Logos

Appeals to reason using logic, data, and facts.

Pathos

Appeals to the audience’s emotions; stirs feelings to prompt action or agreement.

Ethos

Appeals to the credibility or character of the speaker; establishes trustworthiness and authority.

Syllogism

Deductive reasoning with two premises leading to a conclusion.

Enthymeme

A syllogism with an implied premise.

Deduction

General-to-specific reasoning; applies a general truth to a case.

Induction

Specific-to-general reasoning; derives a general rule from particular instances.

Anecdote

Short personal or biographical story used to prove a point.

Rhetorical Question

Question asked for effect, with no expected answer.

Analogy

Comparison between two things to explain or persuade.

Anaphora

Repetition at the start of clauses.

Aphorism

Brief saying with moral truth.

Red Herring

Irrelevant topic diverts attention.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person rather than their argument.

Overgeneralization

Broad claims from limited evidence.

False Dilemma

Only two options presented when more exist.

Circular Reasoning

Restating the claim instead of proving it.

False Cause/Effect

Assuming sequence equals causation.

Slippery Slope

One step will inevitably lead to disaster.

Bandwagon

Claiming something is true because many believe it.

Appeal to Tradition

Arguing something is right because it’s always been done.

Scare Tactics

Using exaggerated threats to persuade.

Appeal to False Authority

Using a non-expert as an authority.

Dogmatism

Declaring a claim self-evident to the 'wise' and shutting down debate.