This assignment was an analysis of Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. It was focused on the Logical Fallacies used by Cassius to advance his argument. Cassius' argument is to convince Brutus that he should join the plot against Ceasar.
Red herring: A red herring is used by Cassius to appeal to Brutus when he begains his argument. His goal is to sway Brutus to be on his side and against Ceasar. Although his argument is about convincing Brutus to join the plot against Ceasar he begins by asking if Brutus would like to go to the race with him “Will you go see the order of the course?” This is an example of a red herring because it provides a distraction to Brutus with a point that has nothing to do with Cassius’ goal.
Big Brain Little Brain: These fallacies are used by Cassius to convince Brutus to follow him and to do what he askes because he is superior and can show Cassius what's inside of him. Cassius’ argument is that he can show Brutus what he cants see himself. He uses this fallacy so that Cassius is not suspicious of him. It works well in this situation because it makes himself seem trustworthy and as if he cares for Brutus but that he is still above him and more knowledgable. “And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself that of yourself which you yet know not of.”
Ad hominem: Cassius claims Ceasar is Colossus, this is saying that he is much more powerful than the other "petty men" who walk below him. This is an example of an Ad homiem because Cassius uses name calling. This Fallacy would be useful for cassius in this situation because if Ceasar is seen as a dictator and is portrayed in a bad light to Brutus he would be more likely to agree in the plot against Ceasar. “Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs and peep about To find ourselves dishonorable graves.”
Appeal to Heaven: Cassius claims that Caesar will become Godlike and hold too much power over the people. This is an example of the Appeal to Heaven Fallacy because Cassius claims that Ceasar has Godlike control over the people which gives him the power to abuse the people. This is helpful in his argument because it gives a convincing and relatable point since it was believed, at this time, that rulers were given their power by God and many abused that power and became like dictators. “Did I the tired Caesar. And this man shoulder, so I emerged from the Tiber carrying the tiredCaesar. Is now become a god, and Cassius is A wretched creature and must bend his body If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.”
Straw man: “Were I a common laugher, or did use To stale with ordinary oaths my love To every new protester, if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard And, after, scandal them, or if you know That I profess myself in banqueting To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.” This could be an example of straw man because although Brutus never accuses Cassius of being dangerous or said he was jealous of him (He only said the actions he was encouraging were dangerous) Cassius makes an argument as to why he isn't dangerous. A straw man Fallacy is This fallacy would be useful to Cassius because this is a point that Cassius may have wanted to make to Brutus; Brutus' comment on the dangerous action was a good segue into it. Making this point allowed Cassius to prove his trustworthiness as well (self-justification)