Fallacious Arguments in the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is among the most profoundly interpreted and fiercely
discussed documents in modern history. Most likely because of its rhetorical style and
numerous fallacious arguments that are found. The colonists use of persuasion to influence
by using repetition to achieve their means. The Declaration of Independence is what 56
colonists saw as a logical course of action. What you must ask yourself is: What was
considered logical in 1776?
The rhetorical style uses persuasive ideals in the use of language. For example, in the first
sentence of the second paragraph, the parallel structure and repetition of the word “that”
enable the writers to articulate with excessive clarity their fundamental beliefs. The second
paragraph is similar to the concluding paragraph because it also relies on parallel structure
and repetition of “that” when declaring the colonies free and independent states. Also,the
repetition of “He is,”which is the only phrase other than “He has” in the list of
“complaints” shows present tense. In this case present tense leads to urgency to the need
for a revolution. Which tells the audience that the only other option is, desolation, and
tyranny. There is also negative diction about the actions of the British king(George III) that
carry to the emotional appeal. Finally,the prime of the last line effectively portrays the
signers as heroes. Which back then where men who would risk everything to support the
rights in man that was established by God.
The primarily fallacious argument is that of general rule, assuming that something is true
