Formal Topics: Arguments by Definition

Corey JohnsonRashawn Briscoe

Joe Orbigoso

Definition is…• According to Silva Rhetoricae definition is, “A topic of invention that invites one to

consider the larger group to which something belongs, often as a way of referring to the similarities it has with differences it has with other members of that group”

• Confused yet?• Don’t panic we’ve got you covered.

HEY KIDDOS! I’M TACO THE TURTLE! I’LL GUIDE

YOU THROUGH THIS BORING SESSION

WRITTEN AND MADE BY BORING PEOPLE!

Arguments by Definition

Genus

Species

Partition

• A thing that is part of a larger idea or class• Shares the properties of other members of that grouping

• A more specific idea under genus• Could be either a concrete or abstract concept

• An outline of what is going to happen/what you will review

This sounds interesting… VERY

NICE! *accent added*

What is this defining? What is the definition of this picture?

America’s definition of luxury

• • Definition not only in dictionary• Not only words• But pictures too

What is this defining? What is the definition of this picture?

OMG PICTURES! When I get a book I

look for pictures first.

How to Argue Using Definition for Dummies

Step 1:Present the Argument!!!

That’s a no brainer! If you didn’t know

this already, get out…

Step 2:Describe the relevant qualities of “X”! ( X being the topic)

How to Argue Using Definition for Dummies

I failed algebra… what is X? I thought

it was a letter…

Step 3:Show how “x” meets or fails the definition

How to Argue Using Definition for Dummies

The only dictionary I use is urban

dictionary… I hope that isn’t a problem

Step 4:Conclude that “x” belongs within that class (or doesn’t belong)

How to Argue Using Definition for Dummies

Finally, its over… that was painful… hearing that

gave me ear tumors (if I had ears I guess)

FREAKocomics!

• How exactly does Freakonomics demonstrate the argument by definition?• “What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common?”• Defines economics as the study of incentives • The title itself as well as the chapter’s intro is an example of partition• The individual incentives for teachers and sumo wrestlers is an example of genus/partition

It’s Review Time!

Click the centre of the hamster wheel!

What time is it?

No, it isn’t

•What is Partition?

•What is genus/species?

•How do we define abstract concepts?

•What are some examples of arguments by definition?

•Can Rhetoric exist in forms other than text?

•What is definition?

Benchmarks

•LA.910.2.2

LA.910.2.2

The end.