Click link to read Mark Twain’s essay ” ” Twain, M. (1983). THE LATE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. , (2), 18-93. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. In a 1-page essay, provide an analysis that identifies fallacious reasoning in the story and explain why. Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
Title: An Analysis of Fallacious Reasoning in Mark Twain’s “The Late Benjamin Franklin”
Introduction:
Mark Twain’s essay, “The Late Benjamin Franklin,” is a satirical piece that provides a witty and critical take on the historical figure. In this analysis, we will explore the fallacious reasoning employed by Twain and discuss the reasons behind his usage.
Fallacious Reasoning:
1. Ad Hominem:
One instance of fallacious reasoning in Twain’s essay is the use of ad hominem arguments, where he attacks Franklin’s character rather than addressing his ideas or actions. Twain repeatedly mocks Franklin’s physical appearance, referring to his bald head, spectacles, and potbelly. These ad hominem attacks distract from a proper evaluation of Franklin’s achievements and aim to undermine his credibility instead.
Twain resorts to ad hominem arguments partly due to his intention to satirize Franklin, portraying him as an overrated and hypocritical figure. However, this fallacious reasoning reduces the effectiveness of Twain’s critique by overlooking the substance of Franklin’s contributions.
2. Straw Man:
Another fallacy employed by Twain in “The Late Benjamin Franklin” is the straw man argument. He constructs a distorted version of Franklin’s beliefs and then attacks this caricatured portrayal rather than addressing Franklin’s genuine positions. For example, Twain misrepresents Franklin’s stance on religious matters, suggesting that he was a fervent follower of various religions to present him as inconsistent and unreliable.
By using the straw man fallacy, Twain creates an easy target for criticism without engaging with Franklin’s actual ideas and philosophies. This approach diminishes the credibility of his own arguments and weakens the essay’s analytical value.
3. Appeal to Ridicule:
Twain’s essay is characterized by his frequent appeal to ridicule. He uses irony, mockery, and sarcasm to ridicule Franklin, his accomplishments, and his perceived vanity. This form of fallacious reasoning shifts the focus from objective evaluation to personal attacks, undermining a fair assessment of Franklin’s contributions to history.
Twain’s purpose in employing the appeal to ridicule lies in satirizing the excessive veneration of Franklin. However, this fallacious approach hinders the reader’s ability to critically analyze the actual impact and significance of Franklin’s achievements.
4. False Dichotomy:
A subtle instance of fallacious reasoning can be observed in Twain’s depiction of Franklin as a manipulative politician who valued his personal interests over the welfare of the nation. Twain presents a false dichotomy, creating a binary opposition between Franklin as a self-centered manipulator and other Founding Fathers as virtuous and selfless individuals.
This fallacy oversimplifies the complexity of Franklin’s character and undermines a nuanced understanding of his contributions. By presenting a false dilemma, Twain weakens his overall argument and fails to provide a comprehensive analysis of Franklin’s role in shaping American history.
Reasons Behind Fallacious Reasoning:
Several reasons can account for the inclusion of fallacious reasoning in Twain’s essay. First, his primary aim was to satirize and entertain readers, rather than provide a rigorous historical analysis of Franklin. The use of fallacies can be seen as an intentional rhetorical strategy to engage the audience through humor and sarcasm.
Additionally, Twain’s own biases and perspectives might have influenced his use of fallacies. As a writer disillusioned with the idolization of historical figures, he may have intentionally resorted to fallacious reasoning to diminish Franklin’s stature and challenge commonly held beliefs.
Conclusion:
In “The Late Benjamin Franklin,” Mark Twain employs various fallacious reasoning techniques to satirize and critique the historical figure. Ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, appeals to ridicule, and false dichotomies detract from a comprehensive understanding of Benjamin Franklin’s contributions. While Twain’s use of fallacies might serve his satirical purpose, they weaken the essay’s analytical value and hinder a fair evaluation of Franklin’s historical significance.