GEOL 2081 Chapter : IMG 0403
Document Summary
An overview to classical rhetoric: historical beginnings of rhetoric as a study, 467 b. c. e. Syracuse, sicily---1st systematic study: carried to athens, why rhetoric is important in athens. People began to believe they could rule through democracy because of rhetoric. Persuasion in the courts: the sophists taught. Many people believe that plato was a sophist, even though he clearly opposed and resisted. They also taught about memorizing and giving speeches publically: for sophists, rhetoric was pragmatic. Sophists" goals were not to win the absolute truth. What sophists taught: some professed to teach ar te. Arete includes success in public life and natural leadership abilities: used dialektike (dialectic)- arguments for and against any position. Used dissoi logio (contradictory arguments) based on endoxa (widely- held premises) Doxa are widely-held beliefs but they"re often not conscious. Sophists could a rgue doxic beliefs, but it"s trying to find the most advantageous argument. The dialectical opposition: thesis antithesis yields synthesis.
