Matthew’s Demonstration Communication 165 Matthew Ryan
Communication 165 Presentation Create PowerPoint to summarize a chapter from another class. Communication 140; Rhetorical Theory Chapter One, “An Overview of Rhetoric,” from The History and Theory of Rhetoric, by James A. Herrick.
What is Rhetoric? Rhetoric is a commonly misunderstood subject, sometimes viewed as a unique art and sometimes viewed as deceiving and argumentative. Greek Philosophers were split between whether or not Rhetoric was a good thing for ALL people. Rhetoric is defined as “the study and practice of effective symbolic expression,” and “goal-oriented discourse that seeks, by means of the resources of symbols, to adapt ideas to an audience.”
…What is Rhetoric? In defining Rhetoric we must define Rhetorical Theory. Rhetorical Theory is the “systematic presentation of the art of rhetoric, descriptions or rhetoric’s various functions, and explanations of how rhetoric achieves its goals.” The earliest studiers of Rhetoric were the Sophists
The Sophists Sophists came to Athens Greece from the Island of Sicily (Italy) around 450 B.C. They known as teachers, speech-writers, and professional speakers. Sophists were very controversial because they taught people if they were paid enough money; they taught anyone who paid them, even the “unworthy.” They taught public speaking, the art of being persuasive, enlightened people with knowledge and a greater deal of education. Sophists believed that rhetoric was an art that could be learned, it didn’t have to be something one was born with. They believed that a persuasive argument could be made supporting either side of an argument no matter what the circumstances.
Gorgias B.C. Wrote “Encomium of Helen,” and viewed rhetoric as poetic magic. Gorgias was the first Sophist to be well known for his studies. He defined rhetoric as a verbal or poetic magic; stating that sounds of words were important because they could grab an audiences attention by rhyming and flowing properly. Known for his ceremonial oratory.
Isocrates B.C. Studied under Socrates and Gorgias. Isocrates was less extreme than Gorgias, stating that a person must be born with some Ethos (good character) AND needed to be taught. He was a sophist but was equally critical of both sophists and non- sophists alike. Emphasized ethos; describes the needs of a good speaker. Ethos is mainly revolved around one’s good character, and also describes the speakers interest of the audience and “matching morals.”
Sophists vs. Philosophers Believed that arete was something that could be learned. Believed in many truths. Believed rhetoric could be used to make an argument for any situation and believed it was a true art. Believed that arete was something that a person was born with. Believed there was only one Truth. Thought rhetoric was a false art, it was “foul” and “ugly.”
“Philosopher Tree”
Plato SStudied under Socrates. BBelieved rhetoric was the art of leading the human soul toward Truth through logi (rational argumentation). AAlso thought that if rhetoric was used properly it was a very good thing. CCreated “Myth of the Charioteer.”
Myth of the Charioteer Plato believed that everyone had a decision to make dependent upon what type of person they want to be. Charioteer; Lover of wisdom. First Horse; Lover of honor and nobility. Second Horse; Lover of appetites and lusts. Unruly horse. He considered the Charioteer and the First Horse good people and the Second horse was the path for “slackers.”
Conclusion AAlthough Sophists and Philosophers disagreed on the issue of rhetoric, rhetoric became a valuable tool to people in politics and everyday life. Rhetoric is used everyday and continues to be studied by professors and students around the world.