1. Rhetoric—Background and Issues
The Available Means of Persuasion

2. Rhetoric—Background and Issues (1)
Isocrates (436 – 338) – -He was one of the most influential rhetoricians of his time. -His work helped promote the art of rhetoric; its growth by political and social changes (democracy, courts of law).

3. Rhetoric—Background and Issues (1)
Isocrates made a connection between rhetoric and the logic of the inner mind. “…the same arguments which we use in persuading others when we speak in public, we employ also when we deliberate in our own thoughts; and, while we call eloquent those who are able to speak before a crowd, we regard as sage those who most skillfully debate their problems in their own minds.” “Against the Sophists”

4. Rhetoric—Background and Issues (1)
Aristotle (384 – 322 B.C.) -Wrote “Rhetoric” -He said that rhetoric is the counterpart to dialectic. -In other words, for Aristotle, rhetoric and dialectic were equal but separate.

5. Rhetoric—Background and Issues (1)
-Aristotle believed that not all people are able to follow the complexities of formal logic. -Therefore, in order to persuade the largest number of people possible, concepts should be available everyone. -This is where rhetoric comes in—the art of persuasion.

6. Rhetoric—Background and Issues (1)
-Aristotle realized that the techniques of rhetoric could be used to accomplish evil as well a good. -However, he further argued that the same holds true for many “goods”. -The study of rhetoric can help you realize, recognize, and refute unjust arguments.

7. Rhetoric—Background and Issues (1)
(Aristotle, cont.) -Therefore, rhetoric is a tool of self-defense; as such, it’s study is not simply legitimate, but necessary.

8. Rhetoric—Background and Issues (1)
(Aristotle, cont.)— -For Aristotle, rhetoric itself was the faculty of observing, in any given case, the available means for persuasion.