Poisoning the Well By Tessa Britt and Tracey
Poisoning the Well By Tessa Britt and Tracey Resner
Definition? • This sort of "reasoning" involves trying to discredit what a person might later claim by presenting unfavorable information (be it true or false) about the person. This "argument" has the following form: § Unfavorable information (be it true or false) about person A is presented. § Therefore any claims person A makes will be false.
Real World Example… • The 2010 Attorney General election § A paid ad by the American Crossroads had defiled the name and credibility of Jack Conway, claiming that because of his position in office, meth labs had increased by 60%.
Crucible Examples… • Abigail: She hates me, uncle, she must, for I would not be her slave. It’s a bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman, and I will not work for such a woman. -The Crucible
Crucible Examples (con. ) • Proctor: I have made a bell of my honor! I have rung the doom of my good name – you will believe me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one! -The Crucible
The End! (sources) • Background: • “Deep Purple Skulls. ” Layout Sparks. n. d. JPEG file. Web. 14 April. 2011. • Fallacy: Poisoning the Well. The Nizkor Project. n. d. Web. 14 April. 2011. • Image: “My Top Ten Willy Inducing Moments. ” Fascination With Fear/Blog Spot. Web. 14 April. 2011. • Examples: American Crossroads. Hollow Eyes. Washington, DC. 2010. Campaign Pamphlet.
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