Combat and Defend...Husband And Wife!

Moving on with more tips on arguing, we are introduced a new topic: different types of logic. When arguing we should use enthymemes, which transmits a subliminal message. The audience then can use inductive or deductive techniques to infer the message. “You believe this, so you should do that.” This is an explanation of what the enthymemes do to the audience. Using logos it makes them believe what you want them to believe.

“You can combine deduction and induction to make an especially strong argument.” So, what is deduction and induction? Deductive logic is when you start with something general like a commonplace and then switches it to specifics, to reach a conclusion. For example if I say all women are brave, then by deduction I can assume my mom is brave, for she is a woman. Inductive logic is the opposite when you start out specific and then go more general to prove a premise or conclusion. For example when you go to the doctor and he asks your symptoms, and then tells you have the swine flu. Depending on the situation you decide which one to use.

Yet, when deducting information you must be very careful not to collide with a fallacy. Fallacies are misleading information. They are everywhere, and that is why it is very important to identify them. “You can commit fallacies to your heart’s content, as long as you get away with them.” This quote explains the importance of identifying fallacies, and not falling for them. Yet, using them can get you to succeed in your argument.

Knowing how to identify them, not only helps you win an argument, but to defend yourself. For example, when your parents answer back with something that has nothing to do with the topic, in order to get away with whatever it is that they believe. This is called reduction ad absurdum. As you can see, it is self explanatory, instead of a valid argument they turn to total absurdity. When the little boy argues about how all the other parents drive their kids to school and she doesn’t, mom replies “What if all the other children’s parents told them to jump off a cliff? Would you follow?” As you can see one thing has nothing to do with the other and if the child is smart enough they can use this opportunity to make their parents look like fools.

Fallacies surround us, they are very dangerous, but when we know how to handle them they can work in our favor. So, learning to identify them, sort information out and use it, is the main key. Then we can use our inductive and deductive knowledge, to win an argument.

I believe, Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen were very interesting. They introduced us to a whole new different topic. Now, not only do they teach you how to combat your audience, but also how to defend yourself. Which, I believe is as equally as important, because if you can’t defend yourself, no matter how strong you are, you will get defeated. This is a new topic, which I appreciate because I was getting bored of the same repetition of how to win an argument. This is such a great book that when you are getting tired of it, it hooks you back on. So, far I have found this book very practical and pleasurable to read.