English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor 1

Elements of Rhetoric

English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor 2

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.

English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor 3

Definition of Deductive Arguments

• Deduction—a 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.

English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor 4

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 people’s obsessions for the seafood• notice in the example provided that he moves from a general point to specific observations

English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor 5

Definition of Inductive Arguments

• Induction—a 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.

English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor 6

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.

English 1301: Composition & Rhetoric I || D. Glen Smith, instructor 7

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.