UNIT 8 – PROPAGANDA

Practice flashcards based on lecture notes covering the topic of propaganda.

What is propaganda?

Rhetoric used to influence ideological beliefs and political behavior.

What is rhetoric?

Speech or media aimed at persuading, not just informing.

Is persuasion always bad?

No, it can be rational or irrational.

What is ideology?

Beliefs shaping how people interpret and act in the world.

What is political behavior?

Actions related to government, laws, and policies.

Difference: rational vs irrational propaganda?

Rational uses logic and evidence; irrational uses poor reasoning or deception.

What makes propaganda rational?

Good reasons, transparency, logical reasoning.

What makes propaganda irrational?

Deception, bad reasoning, lack of evidence.

Rule 1 of evaluating propaganda?

It must provide evidence.

What happens if there’s no evidence?

It relies on assertion, repetition, or loaded words.

Why is repetition used?

To make claims feel true without evidence.

Rule 2?

The propaganda must be factually accurate.

What violates this?

False claims, distortions, strawman arguments.

Rule 3?

The reasoning must be logical.

What fallacies are used here?

Appeal to identity and guilt by association.

What is appeal to identity?

Appealing to personal identity instead of evidence.

Examples of identity?

Religion, gender, culture, class, etc.

What is guilt by association?

Rejecting something because disliked people support it.

Structure of guilt by association?

P supports Q → Q is bad.

Rule 4?

Target only mentally competent adults.

Why is targeting children problematic?

They lack full critical thinking ability.

Rule 5?

No coercion or threats.

What is coercion?

Forcing or threatening to influence belief.

Rule 6?

Propaganda should be transparent.

What if it’s not transparent?

You must analyze intent and methods.

What is positive association?

Linking something to positive images or feelings.

Examples?

Babies, families, pets in ads.

What are slogans?

Short, catchy phrases used to persuade.

What is spin?

Presenting facts in a misleading way.

Why is propaganda effective?

People often fail to recognize manipulation.

What is your responsibility?

Critically evaluate propaganda.

What are 3 internal evaluation rules?

Evidence, truth, logic.

What are 3 external rules?

Audience, coercion, transparency.

What is the biggest exam skill?

Identifying whether propaganda is rational or irrational.