Slides By: Jose Orozco, Maya Basham, Roxie Aquino, and John Pham
Thesis and Major Claims
Napoleon and the other pigs gain and maintain their power by appealing to the animals ignorance, begging the question and employing bandwagons.
Post Hoc Fallacy- John Pham
Says: Only get rid of Man, and the produce of our labour will be our own. Almost overnight we would become rich and free. (Orwell 9) Means: If they got rid of man then they would live rich and free but there is no evidence of that. They are also saying that man is the reason they dont live rich, free lives. So they believe if man is the cause to their poor life then by removing man they will have a free life. Matters: He is using post hoc fallacy by getting the animals to believe man is making them suffer by giving examples of all the negatives of man. Which in turn gave them no reason to see how man was good, making them finally believing if they remove man they will become rich and free.
Begging the question-Jose Orozco
Says Snowball, who, as we now know, was no better than a criminal? (Orwell 50) Means Squealer is saying Snowball was a criminal even though there is no evidence; He gives no evidence to prove that snowball was a criminal but states he is one anyway. His only claim is that Napoleon is correct. Matters He is begging the question so the animals believe him without him needing to provide evidence. Thier blind trust of Squealer and Napoleon lead to them not asking any questions and just trusting what they both say. The fear of the dogs has also discouraged the animals from investigating too much.
Appeal to Ignorance- Maya Basham
Says: He repeated a number of times,Tactics, comrades, tactics!. The animals were not certain what the word meant, but Squealer spoke so persuasively, and the three dogs who happened to be with him growled threateningly, that they accepted his explanation without further questions(Orwell 53). Means: Squealer is attempting to persuade the animals that Napoleon had never opposed the idea of the windmill .The animals could not understand the large and unfamiliar words Squealer states. The fact that the animals didnt understand Squealer, they then believed that he must know what he is doing. Matters: This quote proves to be appeal to ignorance because Squealer utilizes the fact that the pigs are way more intelligent than the other animals. He manipulates the animals lack of knowledge to enforce what the Napoleon wants. The propaganda that is being used is fear. This is because the group of snarling dogs are present in order to induce fear into the animals so that they do not question Squealers statement. Since Squealer used unknown words to the animals, they did not understand his words and became easily persuaded. They didnt question his words due to fear of the threatening dogs. This proved to be an effective use of propaganda to ensure Napoleons power over the animal farm.
Bandwagon - Roxe Aquino
Says: Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend. (31) Means: Old major is telling the animals that all humans are vicious and enemies. He tells the animals that they are all equal and friends but humans shall not be a friend. The animals agree with Old Majors opinion. Matters: The propaganda used would be bandwagon due to the fact that the animals did not question, instead they go along with everyone elses beliefs. Old major uses the lack of knowledge of the animals as a tool to gain as well as maintain power.