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?"