Tag Archive
Aristotle’s Rhetoric
Go from one Greek philosopher to the next, throw in a few Roman thinkers and it becomes clear through this class’ readings that the power of rhetoric is not lost on today’s society. Comparing the education of today with that of these great minds shows a large lack of emphasis on rhetoric but... »
Quintilian’s Advice: Read, Write, Excel
Our Classical writers on rhetoric for this week have much sound advice for those who seek to become skilled orators, as well as to those who would instruct them. For the aspiring rhetorician, Aristotle’s detailed cataloging of the intricacies of engaging and exciting human emotion seem beyond exhaustive. Cicero makes important connections between the... »
The Dark Side of Rhetoric, Commentary 2
In talking about rhetoric, Aristotle seems to paint a picture of a very vulnerable audience. In saying things like, “Their minds draw the false conclusion that you are to be trusted. They take your story to be true whether it is or not.” He emphasized how emotion plays an incredibly strong role in successful... »