A Research Report of Aristotelian Rhetoric
A Research Report of
Aristotle's Rhetoric
Taken from Readings from Classical
Rhetoric.
Summary
Aristotle describes rhetoric as a counter part of dialect, each
man has and can share both. Man can criticize or support an argument,
in order to defend of incriminate. Many of us do this naturally, as a
form of habit. According to Aristotle rhetoric is a system "arranged
according to the rules of art only concerned with proof"(Aristotle
118). Proof serves as a demonstration, and since most of us are
convinced by demonstration. An enthymeme is a rhetorical
demonstration, also the most powerful of proofs. Enthymemes are
logical arguments that follow a strict line of reasoning.
The main difference that exists between dialect and rhetoric is the
moral motive behind the argument. Rhetoric acts in conjunction with a
logical argument and also places an emphasis upon regard a for moral
purpose. As a contrast, the
argument of dialect does not depend on moral purpose, but on the
situation.
Proofs are supported by three kinds of speech. The first type of
speech is dependent upon the moral character of the speaker. The
speaker can convince people if held in high regards and if worthy of
the confidence of the audience. The second part involves putting the
speaker in a specific and appropriate state of mind. This is portrayed
through the emotion and level of conviction the speaker reveals. The
third type is the speech it self, whether the speech is true or appears
to be true.
The kinds of rhetoric are numbered in three, as they relate to the
three kinds of listeners. Therefore, speech is composed of three
pieces: the speaker, the subject, and hearer to whom it is addressed.
The hearer "must necessarily be either a mere spectator or a judge, and
a judge of either things past or of things to come" (Aristotle 124).
As a result, there are three kinds of rhetorical speeches;
deliberative, forensic, and epideictic. The deliberative kind is for
both those who give advice in private. The forensic kind is defensive,
and may either accuse or defend. The epideictic kind has the subject
of praise or blame. For each of these types of speech there is a
special time that is appropriate. Deliberative concerns the future and
things to come. Forensic speech however, focuses on the past, and is a
reference to things of the past. Epideictic is the present condition
of all things in view.
Interpretation
After reading through Aristotle's Rhetoric I began to
understand what I think is his motive behind the ideas that he presents
to the reader. Aristotle desires for his students to become better and
more capable speakers as well as persuaders. He goes about doing this
in a logical structure, which serves as even more of a support of the
ideas that he has presented to us. In my opinion that logic that he
presents to his readers is of a useful nature to the "real world",
whether business, social, or educational orientation. Aristotle seems
to be seeking logical argument that is followed by strong moral purpose
as a goal. The moral obligations that Aristotle presents is crucial to
the central core of his work. Aristotle seems to be implying that a
lack of moral character when communicating, results in immoral
communication of sorts. The ideas and logic that he desires all
speakers to posses, which includes proofs that function as a
demonstration.
Evaluation
When I first started to read from the classical readings of
Aristotle, I was not only confused, but fascinated as well.
Aristotle's ideas have been used throughout time as a structure for the
speeches of some of the most well known speakers, such as Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.. I have viewed many of Dr. King's speeches on video,
and the power and truth that he conveys with every spoken word is
rooted in Aristotle's rhetoric. The idea that most people are
convinced by
demonstration is very evident in our society. Looking back to the
civil rights movement that took place in our country's history, it
began with small groups making waves. Those few proud and determined
people gathered support and gradually created a movement that has and
always will be a significant etch in our country's history. That
movement began with demonstration of a small group that convinced
millions to stand up for what was right. Therefore, the proofs
that are used as part of a logical line of reasoning are effective as
well. The ideas that have come from this particular reading are not
only useful, but logical and intelligent as well.
Take a look at Alexa's examples & applications of Aristotle's
Rhetoric.
Check out Elizabeth's critique of Rhetoric.
Here is an excellent page about the books of Aristotle's Rhetoric.
Check out a well thought out research report on Symbolic Interactionism, as it relates to Aristotle's Rhetoric.
Some great links to more information on Aristotle's Rhetoric !
Go back to our home page.
Masten, P., Rollinson, P., Sousa, M. (1990). Readings from
Classical Rhetoric. Illinois: Southern Illinois University Press.
This page was created by Kathryn Taddeo and last updated on
3-9-00!