Matthew’s DemonstrationCommunication 165

Matthew Ryan

Communication 165 Presentation

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Communication 140; Rhetorical Theory Chapter One, “An Overview of Rhetoric,” from The

History and Theory of Rhetoric, by James A. Herrick.

What is Rhetoric? Rhetoric is a commonly misunderstood subject,

sometimes viewed as a unique art and sometimes viewed as deceiving and argumentative.

Greek Philosophers were split between whether or not Rhetoric was a good thing for ALL people.

Rhetoric is defined as “the study and practice of effective symbolic expression,” and “goal-oriented discourse that seeks, by means of the resources of

symbols, to adapt ideas to an audience.”

…What is Rhetoric? In defining Rhetoric we must define Rhetorical Theory.

Rhetorical Theory is the “systematic presentation of the

art of rhetoric, descriptions or rhetoric’s various functions, and explanations of how rhetoric achieves its

goals.” The earliest studiers of Rhetoric were the Sophists

The Sophists

Sophists came to Athens Greece from the Island of Sicily (Italy) around 450B.C.

They known as teachers, speech-writers, and professional speakers. Sophists were very controversial because they taught people if they

were paid enough money; they taught anyone who paid them, even the “unworthy.”

They taught public speaking, the art of being persuasive, enlightened people with knowledge and a greater deal of education.

Sophists believed that rhetoric was an art that could be learned, it didn’t have to be something one was born with. They believed that a persuasive argument could be made supporting either side of an argument no matter what the circumstances.

Gorgias 485-380B.C.

Wrote “Encomium of Helen,” and viewed rhetoric as poetic magic. Gorgias was the first Sophist to be well known for his studies. He

defined rhetoric as a verbal or poetic magic; stating that sounds of words were important because they could grab an audiences attention by rhyming and flowing properly.

Known for his ceremonial oratory.

Isocrates 436-338B.C.

Studied under Socrates and Gorgias. Isocrates was less extreme than Gorgias, stating that a person must

be born with some Ethos (good character) AND needed to be taught. He was a sophist but was equally critical of both sophists and non- sophists alike.

Emphasized ethos; describes the needs of a good speaker. Ethos is mainly revolved around one’s good character, and also describes the speakers interest of the audience and “matching morals.”

Sophists vs. Philosophers Believed that arete was

something that could be learned.

Believed in many truths. Believed rhetoric could

be used to make an argument for any situation and believed it was a true art.

Believed that arete was something that a person was born with.

Believed there was only one Truth.

Thought rhetoric was a false art, it was “foul” and “ugly.”

“Philosopher Tree”

Aristotle

Plato

Socrates

Philosophers

Isocrates

Gorgias

Sophists

Philosophers

Plato Studied under Socrates. Believed rhetoric was the art of leading the human soul

toward Truth through logi (rational argumentation). Also thought that if rhetoric was used properly it was a

very good thing. Created “Myth of the Charioteer.”

Myth of the Charioteer Plato believed that everyone had a decision to make

dependent upon what type of person they want to be. Charioteer; Lover of wisdom. First Horse; Lover of honor and nobility. Second Horse; Lover of appetites and lusts. Unruly

horse. He considered the Charioteer and the First Horse good

people and the Second horse was the path for “slackers.”

Conclusion Although Sophists and Philosophers disagreed on the

issue of rhetoric, rhetoric became a valuable tool to people in politics and everyday life. Rhetoric is used everyday and continues to be studied by professors and students around the world.