1. Aristotelian Rhetoric Advanced Rhetorical Writing Matt Barton

2. What makes Aristotle so titillating? Aristotle, student of Plato, partially redeems rhetoric—it’s useful! Wrote one of the most influential works on rhetoric ever written Took a “scientific” approach to rhetoric

3. The Definition “Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.”

4. Rhetoric: Prerequisites Ability to reason logically Understanding of human character and goodness in their various forms Understanding of the emotions –Name them, describe them –Know their causes –Know how they can be excited

5. Where do the philosophers go?

6. Key Aristotelian Concepts Humans are “the animal that lives in a polis.” Eudaimonia –A state sought for its own sake by all humans –Happiness is the soul’s activity (or movement) that expresses virtue. Good birth, friends, wealth, children, health, beauty, strength, stature, athleticism, fame, honor, luck, virtue

7. Key Themes of the Rhetoric Rhetoric can be taught. Rhetoric is the counterpart of dialectic. –The enthymeme is to rhetoric what the syllogism is to dialectic. Rhetoric is essential for the smooth operation of government (contingency). Rhetoric is most useful for convincing the demos (common person) of the truth.

8. Uses for Rhetoric 1.Good speakers ensure that true and just things prevail. 2.Some people need more than “just the facts” to believe the truth. 3.Dissoi Logoi helps us see the facts of an issue more clearly. 4.Rhetorical skills are valuable for verbal self-defense.

9. Syllogisms All humans are mortal. –Socrates is a human. –Socrates is mortal. Some professors are rhetoricians. –All rhetoricians are wealthy. –Some professors are wealthy. Valid terms: All, some, none.

10. Validity vs. Soundness Invalid Syllogism: –Some students are parents. All children are students. –All children are parents. Unsound Syllogism: –All professors are left-wing radicals. Matt Barton is a professor. –Matt Barton is a left-wing radical.

11. Enthymemes Enthymemes are syllogisms in which one of the premises is left unstated. –Socrates is mortal because he’s a man. –There is no law against composing music when one has no ideas whatsoever. The music of Wagner, therefore, is perfectly legal. (Twain) –Now, I don't know or have never met my candidate; and for that reason I am more apt to say something good of him than anyone else. (Will Rogers)

12. Enthymemes An “enthymeme” can also mean a syllogism consisting of premises that are widely believed by common folks, but aren’t necessary true in a philosophical sense. –People ought to be mature before they get married. Two people want to get married: Jack is 7, Jill is 5. –Jack and Jill shouldn’t get married. –Genocide is evil. Country X is practicing genocide. –We should invade that country and topple its government.

13. Enthymemes in Advertising

14. Aristotle Triads Classes of Audience –Speaker –Subject –Person Addressed Rhetorical Occasions –Political/Deliberative - Future –Forensic/Courtroom - Past –Epideictic/Ceremonial – Present Artistic Proofs –Logos –Ethos –Pathos

15. Ethos “There are three things which inspire confidence in the orator’s own character— –Good Sense Does the speaker seem sane, intelligent, and familiar with the facts? –Good Moral Character Does the speaker seem honest, moral, and pious? –Goodwill (towards audience)” Does the speaker really seem to genuinely care about what happens to the audience?

16. Discussion Questions 1.How and why does Aristotle think that rhetoric is useful? What are “enthymemes?” (examples?) 2.Why does a rhetor need to know about the emotions? When are emotional appeals uncalled for or unnecessary? 3.How do deliberative, judicial, and demonstrative speakers differ in terms of their venues, goals, and strategies? 4.What is Aristotle’s definitions of happiness? Why should a rhetor know so much about happiness?