Elements of Rhetoric

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Elements of Rhetoric
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Deductive Inductive Arguments

• Both styles of argument are used to
• construct strong hypotheses and
• thesis statements.
• Both systems arrive at conclusions assumed
• to establish a defendable truth.

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Definition of Deductive Arguments

• Deductiona style of argument which draws
  conclusions from evidence assumed to be true the
  results are expected to be valid and based on
  truth.
• Information provided must move from general
  observations to specific notions.
• Consider Sherlock Holmes, the classic example,
  taking evidence from a scene to deduce the
  criminal mastermind behind the crime highly
  skilled in logic and reason.

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David Foster Wallace

• In his published article in Gourmet (Aug. 2004)
  Consider the Lobster,
• In his introductory paragraphs, Wallace uses a
  deductive rationale to explain the human
  appreciation for crustaceans.
• explaining types of festivals and peoples
  obsessions for the seafood
• notice in the example provided that he moves
  from a general point to specific observations

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Definition of Inductive Arguments

• Inductiona style of argument which moves from
  specific facts (or basic observations of an
  event) to generalities
• Such arguments can be based on personal
  experiences and then applied to broader
  conclusions resolving issues within global
  society or a smaller, individual community.
• Moral or ethical themes work best with inductive
  arguments.

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Francis Bacon

• In his collected essays, published in the 17th
  Century, Bacon discusses various philosophical
  and abstract concepts, such as Of Truth.
• Bacon uses an inductive rationale to explain and
  define the concept of truth.
• He explores various ethical issues of the
  human thought process.
• He moves from specific notions of truth to
  generalities of human behavior.

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Francis Bacon

• He follows general assumptions of his Renaissance
  time period
• Heavily influenced by Christian scriptures and
  classical philosophy.
• Bacon believes "truth" should be identified by
  the "truths" established by dogma of
  Christianity.
• Bacon believes humans are actual descendants of a
  historic Adam and Eve who became corrupted by
  nature and desire.
• He also assumes that humans have a moral
  obligation to struggle against sin and human
  frailties to pursue Truth and God.