Blog Post #1
After
reading Gorgias/the sophists, Plato, and now Aristotle, which theorist’s
approach to rhetoric aligns the most with how you are beginning to define
rhetoric for yourself? Draw on specifics from each theorist you discuss, including at least two quotations with page numbers.
After reading the various theorist's approaches I found Aristotle most closely aligns with my definition of rhetoric. Aristotle argues that rhetoric is "the faculty of discovering in any given case the available means of persuasion" (68). By this, Aristotle is referring to being self-aware to all of the possible techniques and/or means available. Thus, one can make the best possible decision because one is aware of ALL possibilities. Aristotle believed in defending yourself and analyzing both sides to an argument. "To explore rational appeals further, Aristotle next must specify the kinds of speeches in which they could be employed. He identifies three: forensic speeches, typical of the law courts, which examine past actions; deliberative speeches, typical of governing bodies, which consider future actions; and epideictic or ceremonial speeches, such as might be given at an awards ceremony or funeral, which attempt to establish the moral qualities of someone or something in the present." (172) This quote signifies his argument about being aware of all possibilities. Aristotle said being self-aware of ALL options gets you closest to absolute truth and I agree with so. Familiarizing yourself with ALL allows you to make the most educated/best decision.
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