Mandatory Blog Entry 3

The chapter 5 reading was dedicated to the art of convincing by example. We learn how references to specific examples in the past can contribute enormously to points we are trying to make in the present. The key to a successfull example is its specificity in relation to the current probleme. The book uses an example of a man trying to convince his neighbor to keep his dog in his own yard. By using a specific example of another dog running wild outside of it's owner's fence he tries to convince the dog owner to keep his own pet within the confines of his yard. However, it is important to note that the example of a past dog gone out of control had to have happened in the same neighborhood so that the current dog owner can properly relate to the lesson. If the first dog had ruined the current dog owner's property than that example would arrouse very sharp and specific emotions and sensory memories, thereby enabling the dog owner to relate to his neighbors concerns.

Examples are not the saem as inductions because sweeping generalizations or not made. They are usually just one event being used as a lense through which another event is viewed. Although inductions can usually be informed by examples. They also need to be specifically tailored to the person involved or else the effect is no where near as potent.

Successful examples can also be fabricated, or drawn from fables and myths. Often times a fable or fictional account can be used to better illustrate a rhetor's point when history doesn't not provide as concrete of an example. Also these made up examples can be much less complicated and, through symbolism, may be easier for the 'target' to understand. Usually thsee fabricated examples will be able to best exhibit clean and complete logic without the complications that real life accounts can present. If an example is fabricated, than the only angles in which it an be analyzed are those presented by the creator of the story.

Examples from history are also very effective in the arena of politics. As the book says, to bring up 'Richard Nixon' as an example will automatically create the image of political figures and betrayal. So comparing a current figure to Nixon will force the reader to consider the traitorous similarities between the two figures, as a result of Nixon's legacy.

Another form of logos is the analogy, or comparing one action or event to another (usually hypothetical) one. If somebody does not understand why 'x' means 'y', than the rhetor can refer to a similar case were 'x' more clearly implies 'y'. Analogies are often times fabricated because, once again, by fabricating an example you can propose the most clean and clear logical thought pattern. Sometimes analogies and examples can be polar opposites. In this case the rhetor can make the argument that if something is true on one end of the spectrum, then the opposite must be true on the other end.

Maxims are also effective because they are 'wise sayings' as accepted by the general public. And who are we to go against 'wise sayings'? This is a way to put the opinion of a respected figure with the backing of an entire public against or in line with a certain argument. For example, our teacher might give us advice that goes in one ear and right out the other, but when that same advice can be tied to a Confucian Proverb it suddenly holds a ton more weight.