Ratiocinatio (ra’-ti-o-cin-a’-ti-o): Reasoning (typically with oneself) by asking questions. Sometimes equivalent to anthypophora. More specifically, ratiocinatio can mean making statements, then asking the reason (ratio) for such an affirmation, then answering oneself. In this latter sense ratiocinatio is closely related to aetiologia. [As a questioning strategy, it is also related to erotima {the general term for a rhetorical question}.]
Should he be impeached? Yes. Why? Clearly, given the pile of evidence, he committed an offense that is impeachable. But, some would say that’s not a good reason to impeach him–he behaves this way “all the time.” If that’s the case, he should’ve been impeached already! In fact, it is bizarre to claim that frequently breaking the law makes the latest infraction permissible. Where does this idea come from? It comes from the minds of immature idiots whose only criterion of guilt or innocence is loyalty to the accused–regardless of what the accused may guilty of. It nearly makes me sick to know you fools are entrusted with voting on the outcome of his trial and that you make up a majority in the Senate. God save us. God save the United States of America.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text added by Gorgias.
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