Theoretical Framework

And Logical Proof

What is the point?

Theoretical frameworks will help you form strong, articulate arguments

Logical proofs will also do this, but give you ideas of how to structure your essay effectively too

BA 7 and 8

Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework

Made up of ideologies Ideologies are basic values, beliefs,

assumptions about life, the world, and the universe

Most apparent through Commonplaces Rhetorical Situation

Commonplaces

Also known as “common knowledge” Commonly believed by members of a

community Only common amongst specific groups Different between different groups Often so common they don’t seem to be

commonplaces Contested commonplaces are often big

issues

Examples of commonplaces

Everyone drives on the right side of the road Everyone drive a car Roads are only meant for cars

What are the underlying values here?

What is the point?

Commonplace create an I-them dichotomy

Commonplaces create an other These vary by culture, community, region,

nation, et c.

Now you try…

Naming one of your commonplaces What is the underlying value here? What is the “other” ? Who would fit an example of that other?

Rhetorical Situation

Made up of The topic of discussion, the issue The audience and their relationship to the

issue The speaker/writer, their reputation, and their

relationship to the issue

Rhetorical Situations

This class What is the topic? Who is the audience and what is their

relationship to the topic? Who is the speaker, what is their reputation,

and what is their reputation to the topic?

Rhetorical Situations 2

A news (anchor) report on graffiti What is the topic? Who is the audience and what is their

relationship to the topic? Who is the speaker, what is their reputation,

and what is their reputation to the topic?

Logical ProofAlso known as types of evidence

Logical proofs

Make up logos

Most commonly seen as Deductions Induction Enthymemes Rhetorical Examples Historical Example Fictional Example Analogy Similar and Contrary Examples Maxims Signs

Deductions

Also known as “reasoning” Moving from something general to something

specific to show similarity

Deduction Cont’d

Example: All people are mortal Charlie Sheen is a person Therefore, Charlie Sheen is mortal

Structured as Major Premise Minor Premise Conclusion

Induction

Opposite of deduction

Move from specific to general Structured as

Minor Premise Major Premise Conclusion

Example Charlie Sheen is a person All people are mortal Therefore, Charlie Sheen is mortal

Enthymemes

A fancy word for syllogisms which is a fancy word for deductive argument

Structured Major Premise Minor Premise Conclusion

Example Think Different Apple is different Think Apple

Rhetorical Examples

Examples that can apply to anyone or anything in that same class

For example, A specific teacher who everyone can relate to

having had A particular friend that everyone can relate to

having

Historical Examples

Usually successful when used Show precedent—example of present

situation occurring in the past For Example

This war in Iraq is going to be long and drawn out similar to other wars the US has been involved in, such as Vietnam, Korea, and World War II

Fictional Example

An imaginary example—fictitious Meant to:

show how something could happen (hypothetical)

or teach a moral For example

The lion and the mouse, The tortoise and the hair

Analogy

Using one hypothetical example compared to another to show similarities or differences

For example, It is silly to argue that leaders should be

chosen by balloting as it would be to argue that Olympic athletes or the pilots of planes should be chosen by chance

Similar and Contrary Examples

Comparing to like things: simile Comparing unlike things: contraries The purpose is to show how the two are

similar or different and try to figure out why they are different

Maxims

Wise sayings that are generally accepted In a community

Tend to build off of or work with commonplaces

For example, An apple a day keeps the doctor away What is the underlying value here?

Signs

Physical facts or real events that usually accompany some other event or situation

For example A fever usually means you are sick Failed negotiations usually mean an altercation will

ensue Uncharacteristically using big words is often a sign of

trying to sound smarter Asking about family is a sign of kindness and respect

If you haven't done it, do it.

Make sure you are caught up on all the readings.

Argument Clinic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y

Practice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVsl6r5d-ds

Try to locate any Logical Proofs used in this speech

Just because…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLjN2I3xQ4w&feature=related

BA7 Due Friday the 29th

Objective: To demonstrate your ability to analyze the effectiveness of support in an argument.

Description: Choose one of the following articles from First-Year Writing, and in a 400-600 word essay, identify and analyze the author’s use of support.

* Science and Technology in World Agriculture: Narratives and Discourses (pp. 501-506)  -- How does Scandizzo try to persuade you that the World Bank “intervenes with a soothing message”? Where exactly does Scandizzo try to explain why the World Bank would want to offer a balance between the two sides? Which of Scandizzo’s methods of persuasion are least and most effective?

* Till Children Do Us Part (pp. 386-387) -- What kinds of evidence does Coontz use to support her argument? Is it effective for the audience that she is targeting in this article?

* Kant or Cant: The Myth of the Democratic Peace (pp. 431-444) -- Near the end of his essay, Layne describes democratic peace theory as “dangerous.” What in his article would most persuade you to agree with him—what evidence? What logical reasoning? Why do you think that some readers would respond passionately to this description of democratic peace theory? 

Length: 400 - 600 wordsFormat: MLA style for internal citations and works cited.