Rhetorical Analogies, Definitions, & Explanations

Jaime Francisquez

Rhetorical AnalogiesComparison of two things or a likening of one thing to another in order to make one of them appear better or worse than it might be

Different: Substitute for arguments, include both metaphors & similes, includes comparisons, and the comparisons can be problematic

Problems in vagueness

Examples

Substitute for arguments: Facts are required to show that SS is financially unsustainable; it's less work & possibly just as effective to call it a Ponzi scheme

Metaphors: "Jenna is a loose cannon"

Similes: "Hillary's eyes bulge just a little, like a Chihuahua's"

Comparison Examples

Comparison: "You have a better chance of being struck by lightning than winning the lottery"

"Having kids is like having a bowling alley installed in your brain"

Problematic comparison: "Now 25% larger"

"New and improved formula"

"Quietest by far"

Keep in mind!Is important information missing?

Is the same standard of comparison used?

Are the same reporting and recording practices being used?

Are the items comparable?

Is the comparison expressed as an average?

Averages are measures of central tendency and there are different kinds of measures or averages (mean, median or mode)

Chapter 3 Kinds of DefinitionsDefinition by example (ostensive): pointing to,

naming, or otherwise identifying one or more examples of the sort of thing to which the term applies

Definition by synonym: giving another word or phrase that means the same as the term being defined

Analytical definition: specifying the feature that a thing must possess in order for the term being defined to apply to it

Almost all dictionary definitions are of the analytical variety

Rhetorical Definitions

Use emotively charged language to express or elicit an attitude about something

Difference: Definitions by example can slant a discussion if the examples are prejudicially chosen

Example: Defining abortion as "The murder of an unborn child"

Rhetorical Explanations

Explanation intended to influence attitudes or affect behavior

Difference: same kind of slanting device, this time clothed as explanation (endow (give) with a particular quality)

Example: "He lost the fight because he's lost his nerve" vs "he was too cautious?"