Transcript Smith’s Invisible Hand

Language and
Rhetoric
Jason M. Chang
Critical Thinking
Lecture Outline
I.
Argument vs. rhetoric
II. Euphemisms
III. Dysphemism
IV. Jargon
V. Weasel words
Argument vs. rhetoric
What is rhetoric?
Definition 1: The art of speaking of writing effectively and
persuasively
Definition 2: Skill in the effective use of speech; also
insincere, extravagant, intellectually vacuous language
Argument vs. rhetoric
Philosophy vs. rhetoric
Philosophy
• Using arguments to
reach truth
Plato (427-347 BC)
Rhetoric
• Speaking for the
persuasion of flattery
Argument vs. rhetoric
DEFINITION
ARGUMENT
RHETORIC
Premises that
logically
support a
conclusion
Insincere,
extravagant,
language used
to persuade or
mislead
HOW IT PERSUADES
WHY
PROBLEMATIC
• Appeals to reason
• Uses premises to
give evidence for
conclusion
• Appeals to
emotion
• Uses emotional,
manipulative,
misleading
language
N/A
Often takes place
of good
reasoning
Persons often
swayed without
having reasons
Euphemisms
Euphemisms
What it is
•
Root of word
•
Definition
A mild, vague, or more
pleasant term used to
replace a bad or
offensive one
Euphemisms
Unemployed
Between jobs
Civilian war causalities
Collateral damage
Prison
Correctional facility
Exam
Learning opportunity
Sick
Under the weather
Garbage worker
Sanitation engineer
Bathroom
Restroom/powder room
Euphemisms
As a rhetorical device
•
How used
• Used to suppress negative
emotions about a topic
(that ought to be there)
• Often times used to
“defend the indefensible”
Dysphemisms
Dysphemisms
What it is
•
Root of word
•
Definition
A disagreeable,
offensive, word used to
replace an agreeable or
neutral one
Dysphemisms
Eating meat
Eating animal flesh
Pro-choice
Pro-abortion
Pro-life
Anti-choice (anti-women)
Paper copy
Dead tree version
Frugal person
Cheapskate
Abortion
Killing a baby
Changing one’s mind
Flip flopping
Dysphemisms
As a rhetorical device
•
How used
Used to evoke negative
emotions or attitudes
about a topic
Jargon
Jargon
Definition
• Special language of a
particular group or
profession
Jargon
As a rhetorical device
• Using pretentious language
marked by unnecessary,
abstract words
• Used to impress, confuse,
intimidate people
Jargon
Jargon in advertisements
“Chevron contains techron”
“Low temp anti-freeze consists of a specially inhibited concentrated
methanol base containing estorol, a new organic solvent that makes the
metal in your radiator rust resistant”
A Lolonis Vineyards wine: “Wisp of cedar vanilla sit to the side of quiet,
slighly candied cherries in the low-keyed aromas, while, in the mouth, this
wine runs parallel to the nose in its soft fruit and sweeter oak qualities.
Very smooth and sporting a fat, glyceriny feel, it is ripe, but always a bit
fuzzy in varietal focus and its lack of a real grip suggests that it be consued
sooner rather than later.”
Jargon
Jargon in debate
•
Good Will Hunting clip
Weasel words
Weasel words
What it is
•
Definition
Words aimed at creating
the appearance that a
strong claim has been
made when in fact only a
fact claim has been said
Weasel words
As a rhetorical device
•
How used
Used to mislead without
outright lying
Weasel words
“You may have won a new car”
• Impression: Good chance that I won
• Reality: May consist of 1 in a billion chance
“3/4 dentists recommend sugarless gum”
• Impression: 75 percent of all dentists recommended it
• Reality: Only need to survey 4 dentists
Weasel words
“up to 50% off on all products”
• Impression: Everything is 50% off
• Reality: It might be that only one product is 50% iff
“Some doctors recommend ginseng for sexual
dysfunction”
• Impression: Many doctors recommend ginseng
• Reality: Some can mean only two