Transcript demo-Deductive/Inductive

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