Rhetorical Terms #2

contradiction

occurs when one asserts two mutually exclusive propositions. since a claim cannot be true, one of them must be false.

Counterexample

An example that runs counter to (opposes) a generalization, thus falsifying it.

Deductive Argument

An argument in which it is thought that the premises provide a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion.

fallacy

an attractive but unreliable piece of reasoning

ad hominem

Latin for "against the man". Personally attacking your opponents instead of their arguments.

Appeal to Authority

The claim that because somebody famous supports an idea, the idea must be right.

Appeal to the bandwagon

The claim, as evidence for an idea, that many people believe it, or used to believe it, or do it.

appeal to emotion

An attempt to replace a logical argument with an appeal to the audience's emotions.

Bad analogy

Claiming that two situations are highly similar, when they aren't.

Cliche thinking

Using as evidence a well-known saying, as if it is proven, or as if it has no exceptions.

False Cause

Assuming that because two things happened, the first one caused the second one.

Hasty Generalization

A generalization based on too little or unrepresentative data.