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Rhetorical Analogies, Definitions, & Explanations. Jaime Francisquez. Rhetorical Analogies. Comparison 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
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Rhetorical Analogies, Definitions, & Explanations Jaime Francisquez
Rhetorical Analogies • Comparison 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 Definitions • Definition 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?"