Legal Definitions - diallage

Definition: Diallage is a rhetorical figure of speech that involves presenting arguments from different points of view and then bringing them together to support one main point.

Example 1: Let's say a politician is trying to convince voters to support a new policy. They might use diallage by presenting the benefits of the policy from the perspective of different groups, such as business owners, workers, and consumers. By showing how the policy would benefit everyone, the politician can make a stronger case for its implementation.

Example 2: In a debate about the death penalty, someone might use diallage by presenting arguments from the perspective of different stakeholders, such as the victim's family, the defendant's family, and society as a whole. By considering the viewpoints of all these groups, the speaker can make a more nuanced and persuasive argument.

Both examples illustrate how diallage involves presenting multiple perspectives and then using them to support a single argument. By considering different viewpoints, the speaker can anticipate objections and make a more compelling case for their position.