The Art of Public Speaking eBook

Stephen Lucas
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 590 pages of information about The Art of Public Speaking.

The Art of Public Speaking eBook

Stephen Lucas
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 590 pages of information about The Art of Public Speaking.
the British Government has placarded the streets of a hundred cities with billboards setting forth the destructive and degenerating nature of alcohol and appealing to the people in the name of the nation to desist from drinking alcoholic beverages.  Under efforts directed by the Government the British Army is fast becoming an army of total abstainers.
The Governments of continental Europe followed the lead of the British Government.  The French Government has placarded France with appeals to the people, attributing the decline of the birth rate and increase in the death rate to the widespread use of alcoholic beverages.  The experience of the German Government has been the same.  The German Emperor has clearly stated that leadership in war and in peace will be held by the nation that roots out alcohol.  He has undertaken to eliminate even the drinking of beer, so far as possible, from the German Army and Navy.

    —­RICHMOND PEARSON HOBSON, Before the U.S.  Congress.

4.  Since the burden of proof lies on him who attacks a position, or argues for a change in affairs, how would his opponent be likely to conduct his own part of a debate?

5.  Define (a) syllogism; (b) rebuttal; (c) “begging the question;” (d) premise; (e) rejoinder; (f) sur-rejoinder; (g) dilemma; (h) induction; (i) deduction; (j) a priori; (k) a posteriori; (l) inference.

6.  Criticise this reasoning: 

    Men ought not to smoke tobacco, because to do so is contrary to
    best medical opinion.  My physician has expressly condemned the
    practise, and is a medical authority in this country.

7.  Criticise this reasoning: 

Men ought not to swear profanely, because it is wrong.  It is wrong for the reason that it is contrary to the Moral Law, and it is contrary to the Moral Law because it is contrary to the Scriptures.  It is contrary to the Scriptures because it is contrary to the will of God, and we know it is contrary to God’s will because it is wrong.

8.  Criticise this syllogism: 

  MAJOR PREMISE:  All men who have no cares are happy. 
  MINOR PREMISE:  Slovenly men are careless. 
  CONCLUSION:  Therefore, slovenly men are happy.

9.  Criticise the following major, or foundation, premises: 

    All is not gold that glitters.

    All cold may be expelled by fire.

10.  Criticise the following fallacy (non sequitur): 

  MAJOR PREMISE:  All strong men admire strength. 
  MINOR PREMISE:  This man is not strong. 
  CONCLUSION:  Therefore this man does not admire strength.

11.  Criticise these statements: 

    Sleep is beneficial on account of its soporific qualities.

Fiske’s histories are authentic because they contain accurate accounts of American history, and we know that they are true accounts for otherwise they would not be contained in these authentic works.

12.  What do you understand from the terms “reasoning from effect to cause” and “from cause to effect?” Give examples.

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Project Gutenberg
The Art of Public Speaking from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.