- enthymeme
The informal method of reasoning typical of rhetorical discourse. A
truncated syllogism.
- sorites
A chain of claims and reasons which build upon one another. Concatenated
enthymemes.
- syllogismus
The use of a remark or an image which calls upon the audience to draw
an obvious conclusion.
- aetiologia
A figure of reasoning by which one attributes a cause for a statement
or claim made.
- ratiocinatio
Reasoning (typically with oneself) by asking questions.
- anthypophora
A figure of reasoning in which one asks and then immediately answers
one's own questions.
- apophasis
The rejection of several reasons why a thing should or should not be
done and affirming a single one, considered most valid.
- contrarium
Juxtaposing two opposing statements in such a way as to prove the one
from the other.
- expeditio
After enumerating all possibilities by which something could have occurred,
the speaker eliminates all but one.
- proecthesis
When, in conclusion, a justifying reason is provided.
- prosapodosis
Providing a reason for each division of a statement, the reasons usually
following the statement in parallel fashion.
- paromologia
Admitting a weaker point in order to make a stronger one.
- dirimens copulatio
A figure by which one balances one statement with a contrary, qualifying
statement
- commoratio
Dwelling on or returning to one's strongest argument.
Related Topics of Invention
Almost all of the topics
of invention emphasize a logical appeal. There are a few, however,
more explicitly associated with the processes of reasoning:
See Also
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