Rhetoric

The Art and Science of

Influence

The Rhetorical Tradition Advocates that:

• Truth by nature is dialectical

• Rhetoric is an Art

• Rhetoric is a humane study

Rhetoric as Art and Science• Dialectical Nature

– Reality depends on symbols• Our reality is created by and rooted in and shaped

by our symbols• Example—Orwell’s 1984

– Reality is probable• A stream of truth and untruth with truth revealed in

conversation (Plato)• In the absence of such a dialogue evil results• Example—Nazi Germany and group think

Rhetoric as Art and Science Continued• Rhetoric is an Art

– Three parts to the Art• Theory—principles, statements , description that control

and predict a situation

• Model—pictures, examples, lessons

• Practice—do it again an again

– Trilogy of this Art• Rule bound—Dale Carnegie's or Toast Masters are

examples

• Rule less—anarchy or just talk, stream of consciousness

• Rule guided—Aristotle, speech text book

Rhetoric as Art and Science Continued

• Ultimate End of Rhetoric (four characteristics)– Promoting the common good

– Providing freedom of choice (physical safety)

– Admitting when wrong

– Allowing the audience to make informed decisions (psychological safety)

What is the difference betweenart and science?

Isocrates helps:

Talent

Theory

Practice

Rhetoric was first:•A gift from the gods

•Myth

•The Rhetoric Wave

The Rhetoric WavePerspectives on the Rise Fall of Rhetoric's Origins:

In the Beginning the “Word”?

God/Myth?“heavenly”

Natural/Human?“earthy”

Pre-sophists

Sophists

Protagoras/Aristotle?

Romans

The Church Age

Enlightenment/Science

Post Modernism:Contemporary

?

Rhetoric Today

• AttacksFlattery, cookery, knack (Plato)

Alluding-to play (Kant)To cancel the Truth (Philosophers)

• ReturnsJobsMarriage SuccessOrganize information