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.
