Fallacy
http://www.uvsj.com/police-investigate-couple-who-left-baby-at-home-during-church/article_4b2428ba-4157-11e1-b11f-001871e3ce6c.html#axzz1jmb4HkPV
This article is from the Rexburg Standard Journal and talks about how a couple left their baby at home while they attended church. The part that I wanted to focus on as a fallacy was the quote by the police captain: "It was a dumb decision they made, the couple ought to be ashamed....These aren't bad parents, they made bad choices."
This is an example of a hasty generalization fallacy. The officer quickly generalized that even though these parents made a bad choice, that they aren't bad parents. There is not a lot of evidence backing up this generalization and coming to a conclusion like the one stated requires more evidence. Since all the reader knows from the article is that the parents left their baby at home, they need to have more information about the situation to be convinced that the couple are not bad parents.
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: Pride & Prejudice
Ethos: An example of ethos is when Mr. Collins mentions his connection to the de Bourgh family. By mentioning this, he is trying to establish credibility and nobility for himself.
Another example is when he mentions that Lady Catherine de Bourgh told him to find a proper wife. By saying this, he is establishing credibility for himself and for asking for Elizabeth's hand in marriage.
Pathos: An example of pathos is when he mentions that one of the reasons for him marrying her is that it would "add very greatly to my happiness." By saying this, Mr.Collins is trying to appeal to Elizabeth's emotions by talking about his own emotions toward the matter of marriage. Another example of pathos is when Mr. Collins says that Elizabeth's "modesty adds to her other perfections." By saying this, he is trying to flatter Elizabeth and appeal to her emotions by complimenting her.
Logos: Mr. Collins is using logos when he talks about how he will inherit Elizabeth's father's estate someday. He makes the logical argument that it makes sense for Elizabeth to marry him because he will someday have possession of the estate. Another example of logos is when Mr. Collins mentions that it is a "right thing for every clergyman to set the example of matrimony in his parish." By stating this, he is making the logical argument that it would be beneficial for him to get married so he could set a good example to others.
Interesting choice of fallacy. It's not exactly apparent, but I think I see where you're coming from. I really liked your ethos/pathos/logos stuff. I think it's interesting how these three things can be identified in Mr. Collins speech, even though his speech is not effective in winning Elizabeth. So I guess a writer/speaker can try to appeal to emotions etc., but sometimes what they do fails.
ReplyDeleteJust like what Heather said, your example of fallacy is interesting because it's not very blatant. Most people would assume that they are bad parents because of this one incident; however, as you've pointed out, this would be a hasty generalization because one incident shouldn't be enough to condemn someone.
ReplyDeleteAnd good examples of e/p/l
Natalie