Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Fallacies in Famous Speeches

Patrick Henry's Speech
  1. "Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusion phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?"
  2. This quote is an example of the logical fallacy of slippery slope. In this question, Henry assumes that inaction in the matter of Britain will lead to bondage and slavery to the British. This assumption shows slippery slope in that it effectively jumps to bold conclusions about the ramifications of not fighting back.
  3. Many famous and effective speeches can commit fallacy because fallacy can be powerful when used correctly. If the fallacy is successful in achieving a certain emotional reaction from the audience, it can be used effectively in any speech. Fallacy isn't a bad thing by default; it may be false logic, but it can be a powerful device for persuasion.

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