ARGUMENT BY ACCUMULATION Meaning and
Definition
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Argument by accumulation, also known as cumulative argument, is a rhetorical strategy used to persuade or convince an audience by presenting a series of supporting evidence or examples on a particular topic. This type of argument relies on amassing a large quantity of evidence or instances to strengthen a claim, often without explicitly addressing the quality or value of each individual piece of evidence.
The purpose of argument by accumulation is to create a cumulative effect that reinforces the main argument or point being made. By presenting numerous examples, statistics, or testimonials, the arguer aims to overwhelm the audience with the sheer volume of evidence in order to make their case more convincing. This strategy is often employed when dealing with complex or controversial subjects where a single piece of evidence may not be sufficient to bring about agreement or acceptance.
While argument by accumulation can be an effective persuasive technique, it is important to note that the strength of each individual piece of evidence may vary. Some evidence presented may be stronger or more relevant than others, and critics of this approach argue that it can be prone to logical fallacies such as cherry-picking or providing unrepresentative examples. Therefore, when analyzing an argument by accumulation, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the quality, relevance, and potential biases of each piece of evidence presented.
