How we change what others think, feel, believe and do |
Aporia
Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Aporia Method | Example | Discussion | See also
DescriptionAporia is pretending to doubt something. ExampleMaybe I am stupid, or something. Maybe I am not paying attention here. Or maybe you are talking rubbish. Now, ladies and gentlemen, would you say that was the worst joke I have told? Or was it the best joke? Funny, that. I can't tell either. DiscussionExpressing doubt prompts others to empathetically consider how something may be doubted and so sows seeds of uncertainty in them. This causes confusion and leads others to seek certainty, which the speaker can give with subsequent statements (and which are thus less likely to be challenged). Doubt may thus be used as the start of an argument, clearing the decks for the speaker's real intent. The doubt may be sustained or, more often, the speaker proves themself wrong by showing the doubt to be unfounded. Aporia often appears in the form of a rhetorical question. Aporia is also called Dubitatio or Dubitation. Classification: Questioning, Falsehood See also |
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Site Menu |
| Home | Top | Quick Links | Settings | |
Main sections: | Disciplines | Techniques | Principles | Explanations | Theories | |
Other sections: | Blog! | Quotes | Guest articles | Analysis | Books | Help | |
More pages: | Contact | Caveat | About | Students | Webmasters | Awards | Guestbook | Feedback | Sitemap | Changes | |
Settings: | Computer layout | Mobile layout | Small font | Medium font | Large font | Translate | |
| Home | Top | Menu | Quick Links | |
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