Logical Fallacies and Rhetorical Devices

RHETORICAL DEVICES 

LOGICAL FALLACIES 

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• ​Rhetorical Devices

• a technique that an author or speaker uses to influence or persuade an audience. ​

• can strengthen a writer’s argument ​

• ​Logical Fallacies

• an incorrect or problematic argument that is not based on sound reasoning. ​

• mistake in reasoning ​

• weakens or damages a writer’s arguments ​

Examples: 

• rhetorical question: question with an obvious answer  ​

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• repetition: repeating an idea using the same words or keywords. ​

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• analogies: comparison of two things for the purpose of explaining an idea ​

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• juxtaposition: two or more ideas are placed side by side to highlight similarities and differences  ​

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• parallelism: use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same or similar in their construction, sound, or meaning  ​

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• rhetorical shifts: occurs when speakers or writers alter their style or tone in a piece. ​

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• antithesis:  two opposite ideas are put together in a sentence to achieve a contrasting effect ​

Examples: 

• sweeping generalization: a conclusion that is too broad and is not supported by the facts. ​

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• circular reasoning: when you attempt to make an argument by beginning with an assumption that what you are trying to prove is already true ​

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• red herring:  when an unrelated topic is introduced in an argument to divert the attention of the readers from the original issue ​

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• hyperbole:  inflated or over-enthusiastic statements ​

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• emotional appeals:  writer attempts to win an argument by trying to get an emotional reaction from the reader ​

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• stereotype:  making assumptions about a whole group or range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate ​

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• hasty generalization: a general statement that does not have sufficient evidence to support it ​