Chapter 5 focuses on
Logical proof and reasoning also known as logos. Aristotle actually created four methods of
logic that can break down how to argue on issues. Scientific demonstration was
the first method which came from true premises and demanded that the premises
be scientifically accepted as a common truth. Dialectical reasoning being the second
method does not guarantee that the premises are common truths, rather the “premises
are accepted by people who are supposed to be especially wise” (Crowley 119). The
third is rhetorical reasoning which draws upon truths that are accepted by a
whole community and the fourth is contentious reasoning which only uses
premises that are very widely accepted. However, in terms of comparing one to
another, these four methods differ in their degree to which those arguing about
them accept them as true.
When
using logic as with logos, there are different methods for using the premises
to provide a logical argument. Deduction is one of these methods and it
involves starting with general premises and moving on to more specific premises.
For example: 1 all people have a
heart, 2 Saul is a person 3 therefore Saul has a heart.
Induction on the other hand uses the opposite method starting narrow and moving
onto broader topics. An example of this could be: “if the skilled pilot is the
best pilot, and if the skilled charioteer the best charioteer, then the skilled
person is the best person in any particular sphere” (Crowley 124). The last of
these methods mentioned is enthymemes. Enthymemes are arguments where one
premise is not explicitly stated. An example of this that the book gives is
apples “think different advertising campaign. In fact, “the slogan ‘think
different’, is a highly truncated enthymeme in which only the conclusion is
stated” (Crowley 127). Apple uses the rest of the advertisement to provide the
premises such as how historical figures have been able to think different and
such. These kinds of methods are actually employed a lot in what would be the
use of abstract advertisement. Not to say that the advertisement would be
random, however it is usually the ads like car commercials and such. They will
show a series of shots and images which can be seen as premises and then the
end will flash a slogan or something and the conclusion is drawn out. I was
aware of deduction and induction before
however enthymeme methods were interesting to learn about.
Crowley, Sharon, and Debra
Hawhee. Ancient Rhetorics for
Contemporary Students. 5th ed. Boston:
Pearson, 2012. Print.
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