"Do You Personally Know Anyone Who Died of COVID?"
Briefly

The rhetorical question "Do you personally know anyone who X?" is often asked to create the impression that certain occurrences, like COVID-19, are rare or not serious. This question is not a genuine inquiry but a tactic used to sway opinions. Rhetoric itself does not determine truth and exists to influence feelings, making arguments more appealing without affecting their logical foundation. This strategy can be replicated in future discussions about other pandemics. Effective rhetoric can potentially support valid claims by shaping audience perceptions favorably.
The question "Do you personally know anyone who X?" serves as a rhetorical strategy aimed at creating the illusion that X is uncommon or less serious, impacting public perception.
Rhetoric is logically neutral, existing to sway emotions rather than ascertain the truth of claims. Its effectiveness lies in presentation and appeal and not the validity of the argument.
Read at A Philosopher's Blog
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