Rhetoric Terms Flashcards - Invention

Rhetoric Terms Overview

• Artistic Proof: Means of persuasion including ethos, pathos, and logos as per Aristotle's rhetorical theory.

• Inartistic Proof: Facts and evidence not created by the speaker; includes laws, contracts, witness testimonials, and documents such as photographs and surveys.

Rhetorical Concepts

• Stasis: A rhetorical invention procedure involving the asking of specific questions to reach a conclusion; represents a state with no action or progress.

• Logos: A persuasive appeal to reason, emphasized by Aristotle. Represents the use of logical reasoning in arguments.

• Ethos: Persuasive appeal based on the speaker's character; includes components of goodwill, practical wisdom, and virtue.

• Pathos: Emotional appeal in persuasion, aimed at influencing the audience's feelings.

Reasoning Methods

• Deduction: A reasoning method where conclusions necessarily follow from given premises.

• Induction: Forming generalizations based on multiple specific instances.

Argumentation Techniques

• Argument by Signs: Describes possibilities to encourage or discourage actions based on circumstances.

• Argument by Definition: Considers the larger group of which something belongs to highlight similarities or differences; e.g., treating littering as a punishable crime against society.

• Argument by Similarity: Compares and contrasts items; uses analogy to draw conclusions from shared characteristics.

• Argument by Cause/Effect: Explores the relationships between causes and their effects; used to illustrate implications, such as in Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal".

• Testimony: Credibility added to arguments by citing other sources or individuals.

Types of Topics in Rhetoric

• Material Topics: Focus on tangible subjects or phenomena.

• Formal Topics: Concerned with structural and formal aspects of arguments.

• Common Topics: General subjects applicable across various situations in argumentation.

• Special Topics: In-depth issues requiring significant analysis and detailed discussion before decisions are made.