Aristotelian Rhetoric-Critique
Aristotelian Rhetoric:
Critique
This is a picture of Plato and Aristotle enjoying a stroll through the courtyard at Plato's Academy
In my mind it seems quite the task to critique a great philosopher like Aristotle. His work has surpassed the mark of generation after generation and his name appears in almost every college textbook that I have read in my three years at Ohio University. Aristotle's Rhetoric consists of reworked lecture notes from his courses at Plato's Academy. The Rhetoric is thought to be a search by Aristotle into the study of audience psychology. Aristotle believed success at public speaking was gained through enormous amounts of preparation for speeches and audience analysis.
Aristotle focused much of his work on the three types of proofs people use for persuasion. These include; logical(logos), ethical(ethos), and emotional(pathos). In the Rhetoric Aristotle focused much of his work on logical proof. While reading this section I was not very clear of what he meant by the term enthymeme. He defined it as "a line of reasoning atht replaces the true fact". For most readers who know what syllogism means, they may be able to interpret what Aristotle means, but for those who are unclear about the meaning of the word, they would be completely lost. So, in criticizing Aristotle, although he was very clear about what he was saying, I have to believe that some people did not share that clarity. My suggestion would be that he better try to explain the terme which he is using before using them in such profound ways.
Following on with the subject of clarity I also feel that Aristotle was not clear enough when discussing his classification of speech situations, specifically that of forensic and deliberative speaking. The way he explains the two terms is very similar and I personally found it difficult to make a clear distinction between the two. While his definition of epidectic speaking is clear and distinct, I felt like he was explaining both forensic and deliberative speaking the same way only adjusting the situation. Perhaps, if he had given a more distinct situation that was not closely related to one another his explanation would have been easier to understand.
Stepping away from criticizing Aristotle I want discuss the use of Sicero's five canons of rhetoric. As Sicero listed the five canons consist of (1)invention, (2)arrangement, (3)style, (4)memory, and (5)delivery. Knowing that this concept has been around for two thousand years gives it as much status as I need to be convinced. I feel that the five cannons are a simple and good plan for anyone to follow when giving a presentation in front of an audience. So, for those of you who are reading this for helpful hints, take note of the five canons, I am sure that they will come in hand next time that you are doing a presentation.
The only suggestion that I would have to Aristotle, if he were to be here in person, would be to simplify his writing a bit more. Clarity and simplification are two areas where I believe Aristotle needed some work. I am sure he would respond to my comment by saying that if we were all a bit smarter we would understand exactly what he was trying to teach. And that perhaps we all need to wise up instead of him changing work that has been around for over two thousand years.
My recommendation is to give the theory lots of thought. Read through the Rhetoric, put it away, think about it, and then re-read it. I would almost bet that the second time through will be easier than the first and understanding it more clearly will occur after the second reading.
If you are interested in doing more reading on this theory
check out these links:
Read Katie's
research report
to get a more in depth explanation of the Rhetoric.
Check out the application that Alexa wrote on Aristotle's Rhetoric.
For other cool links that Kevin found click here.
Click here to pull up a web site that I found to learn more about Aristotle.
For further reading in relation to Aristotelian Rhetoric click here. This is a site that explains cognitive dissonance . The theory written by Leon Festinger explores how emotions play a part in an individuals ability to communication effectively.
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This page was designed by Elizabeth Daughters on 3-6-00.