Rhetoric

What is rhetoric?

The art of effective persuasion through speaking and writing.* *Many include other mediums in rhetoric such as art, photography, video, et cetera.

Aristotle Greek philosopher Born in Stagirus, northern Greece, in 384 BC. Studied under Plato, philosopher and mathematician. Writings cover physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theater, music, rhetoric, linguistics, politics and government. Largely responsible for founding Western Philosophy.

Aristotle Generally credited with developing the basics of the system of rhetoric that "thereafter served as its touchstone”. [1] Influenced the development of rhetorical theory from ancient through modern times. Rhetoric is regarded by most rhetoricians as "the most important single work on persuasion ever written." [2] [1] Bizzell, P. & Bruce Herzberg. (2000). The Rhetorical Tradition: Readings from Classical Times to the Present. NY: Bedford/St. Martin's. p.3. [2] Golden, James L., Goodwin F. Berquist, William E. Coleman, Ruth Golden, & J.Michael Sproule (eds.). (2007). The rhetoric of Western thought: From the Mediterranean world to the global setting, 9th ed. Dubuque, IA (USA): p.67.

Three Rhetorical Appeals These appeals can be considered persuasive strategies: Pathos Ethos Logos

Pathos Greek for 'suffering’ Emotional appeal, but also includes an appeal to the audience's sympathies and imagination. Often in the form of anecdotes/stories, emotional images or scenes – anything that elicits a heartfelt response from the viewer. Think sympathy.

Ethos Greek for 'character’ Refers to the trustworthiness or credibility of the persuader. Exists independently from the message--his or her expertise in the field, or his or her previous record or integrity. Often in the form of a quote, testimony or suggestion from an expert or respected figure for the given topic. Think character.

Logos Greek for 'word’ Refers to the internal consistency of the message -- the clarity of the claim, the logic of its reasoning, and the effectiveness of its supporting evidence. Often comes in the form of facts, figures, statistics, scientific data and research findings. Think logic.