Preparing to Persuade: Reasoning and Logic

1. Preparing to Persuade: Reasoning and Logic

2. Aristotle’s “Proofs” “logos” to describe logical evidence “ethos” to describe speaker credibility “pathos” to refer to emotion.

3. Types of Reasoning:Inductive Reasoning • Draw specific inferences from broad facts. • Use inductive reasoning to explain why a current suggestion would or would not work, based on past experiences.

4. Types of Reasoning:Inductive Reasoning • Any research supporting assertions should have clear credibility. • Examples should be clearly representative of the claim. • Evidence should directly support the claim. • Assertions should not be trite or made hastily.

5. Types of Reasoning:Deductive Reasoning • Works opposite from inductive reasoning in that we use broad facts to make specific assertions. • Starts with a major premise, which is generally accepted knowledge. • Major premise leads to a more specific assertion—the minor premise. • Finally, a conclusion is drawn between the two.

6. Types of Reasoning:Deductive Reasoning • The major premise must have viability. If it is questionable, a fallacy could be created. • The minor premises should share a relationship with major premises. • If the major premise is questionable, further credible support will be required.

7. Types of Reasoning:Causal Reasoning Causal reasoning relies on a cause- effect relationship. Some causal relationships are commonly accepted . . . : Example: If I exercise regularly, I will lose weight. . . . while others stir controversy: Example: Playing violent videogames promotes violence in children.

8. Types of Reasoning:Causal Reasoning • Simplistic answers should be avoided. Just because one event occurs does not necessarily mean that a relationship between the two can be established. • If the cause-effect relationship seems unlikely or is commonly protested, numerous credible sources will be needed to gain consideration. • Most effects can have several causes. For example, in the example about losing weight, a person may have exercised, consumed fewer calories, and limited carbohydrate intake—all factors in weight reduction.

9. Types of Reasoning:Analogical Reasoning Analogical reasoning involves the assumption that because two things contain commonalities or are interrelated, they share a likeness or a similar result. Example: • “Because my mother had breast cancer, I’d better get checked for it, too. • “Since Ford Explorer has faulty tires, your Ford Focus might have them, as well.”

10. Types of Reasoning:Analogical Reasoning In analogical reasoning: • The main consideration in analogical reasoning is ensuring that both premises are similar to each other. • One premise should not minimize the other.

11. Fallacies • Straw man fallacy • The either-or fallacy • The bandwagon • The slippery slope • The red herring • Ad hominem argument • Post-hoc fallacy • Non-sequitur fallacy • Hasty generalizations