Chapter 15

Omitted qualifier

Fallacy occurs when speakers exaggerate the strength of a claim, confusing probability with certainty.

Conclusion

Meaning drawn from the relationship between the major and minor premises.

Non sequitur fallacy

Occurs when conclusions do not follow from the premises that precede them or from irrelevant evidence.

Syllogism

Pattern of deductive reasoning as it develops in reasoned persuasion.

Reasoned persuasion

Persuasion built on evidence and reasoning.

Faulty analogy

A comparison drawn between things that are dissimilar in some important way.

Either-or-thinking

A fallacy hat occurs when a speaker suggests that there are only two options, only one of which is desirable.

Ethos

A form of proof grounded in the social feelings that connect us powerfully with group traditions, values, legends, and loyalties.

Logos

A form of proof that appeals to reason based largely on facts and expert testimony presented logically.

Confusion of fact and opinion

A misuse of evidence in which personal opinions are offered as though they were facts, or facts are dismissed as though they were opinion.

Shaky principle fallacy

A reasoning error that occurs when an argument is based on a faulty premise.

Proof

An array of evidence that drives thoughtful listeners toward a conclusion.

Ad hominem fallacy

An attempt to discredit a position by attacking the people who favor it.

Hasty generalization

An error of inductive reasoning in which a claim is made based on insufficient or non representative information.

Post hoc fallacy

An inductive error in which one event is assumed to be the cause of a normal simply because the first preceded the second

Deductive reasoning

Arguing from a general principle to a specific case.

Analogical reasoning

Creating a strategic perspective on a subject by relating it to something similar about which the audience has strong feelings.

Reasoning from reality

Emphasis on factual evidence in guiding one's general conclusions and decisions. Often called deductive reasoning.

Fallacies

Errors in reasoning that make persuasion unreliable.

Manipulative persuasion

Persuasion that works through suggestion, colorful images, music, and attractive spokespersons more through evidence and reasoning. It avoids the ethical burden of justification.

Reasoning from parallel cases

Presenting a similar situation as the basis of an argument, often called analogical reasoning.

Pathos

Proof relying on appeals to personal feelings.

Reason from principle

Reasoning from shared principles, values, and rules. Sometimes called deductive reasoning.

Inductive reasoning

Reasoning from specific factual instances to reach a general conclusion.

Minor premise

Relating a specific instance to the general principle that supports an argument.

Flawed statistical comparisons

Statistical reasoning that offers fallacious conclusions by comparing unequal or unlike situations.

Evidence

Supporting materials used in persuasive speeches, including facts and figures, examples, narratives, and testimony.

Slippery slop fallacy

The assumption that once something happens, an inevitable trend is established that will lead to disastrous results.

Terminal credibility

The audience's assessment of ethos after a speaker has made a presentation.

Initial credibility

The audience's assessment of your ethos before you begin your speech.

Emerging credibility

The changes in the audience's assessment of ethos that occur during your speech.

Myth of the mean

The deceptive use of statistical averages in speeches.

Major premise

The general principle on which an argument is based.

Straw man fallacy

Understanding distorting, or otherwise misrepresenting he position of opponents for ease of refutation.

Reluctant witnesses

Witnesses who testify against their apparent self-interest.

Begging the question

assuming that an argument has been proved without actually presenting the evidence.

Red herring fallacy

the use of irrelevant material to divert attention.