Study and Discussion Questions Aristotle’s Rhetoric Book I Chaps. 1-3

Study and Discussion Questions Aristotle’s Rhetoric Book I Chaps. 1-3 21W.747: Classical Rhetoric and Modern Politics Glossary of Some Rhetorical Terms Term enthymeme tekhnē pistis dialectic theorein Aeropagus topos (pl. topoi) Meaning 1. Syllogism with one of the terms missing. "We should not trust him because he steals from his boss." 2. Apparent or artistic syllogisms – based on probabilities rather than scientific certainty. Art – A coherent body of knowledge to me applied. (The root of technology and technique.) Proof, faith, trust, belief, persuasion Logical, infallible reasoning through signs Literally to see, but also used in the sense of to observe with the implication of its cognate to theorize. Athenian court concerned with homicide. Relevant assumptions and topics. Common topoi are relevant topics for proofs in all disciplines or situations. They are the core of Rhetoric Specialized topoi are for specialized cases of persuasion Artistic pistis Inartistic pistis ethos pathos logos (pl. logoi) telos kairos sign probability Constructed by the speaker Preexisting data speaker's character emotions of audience arguments themselves objective, end context, opportunity, situation Infallible proof (pistis) associated with dialectic Fallible proof (pistis) associated with rhetoric Aristotle's Rhetoric 1. Aristotle's Rhetoric is probably a collection of notes from Aristotle's lectures. Consequently, the work is not consistent. How does the approach to rhetoric in Chapter 1 differ from the approach in Chapter 2? 2. Aristotle's reasoning in Rhetoric often is in the form of enthymemes, which may be hard to identify because the language in your translation often omits "for" or "because" – which translates the Greek particle gar. Try to identify one or two enthymemes. 3. Your edition usually translates the complex term pistis (pl. pistesis) as "persuasion" or "mode of persuasion." It also can mean "belief," "logical proof," or "argument." Try to substitute these terms in various passages. 4. What exactly does Aristotle mean by stating that both rhetoric and logic are not specific sciences but "arts" (Greek tekhne) applicable to all sciences? 5. What is the difference between a "fallible" and "infallible" sign? What are their respective relationships to a "Probability" and a "Complete Proof"? Hint: What is the difference between the degrees of certainty in science vs. that in a court of law? 6. In the first chapter, Aristotle argues that political oratory is nobler than forensic (legal) oratory. He states, "Political oratory is less given to unscrupulous practices than forensic, because it treats of wider issues." Do you believe that this statement is valid today? Specific Commentary on Chapter One First paragraph: The first two sentences are themselves an enthymeme. In the Greek they are one sentence connected by the Greek particle gar "because." Put "Because in front of both in the second sentence. Try to figure out all three statements of the syllogism. ". . .to inquire . . ." in the last sentence of the paragraph represents the Greek verb theorein (see above). "function of an art." Literally tekhnē see above. Second paragraph: "modes of persuasion" is literally pistis (see above). Notice how the arguments in this paragraph contradict the arguments in Chapter 2 (1356a). Third paragraph: All of the arguments in this paragraph are enthymeme's. Chapter 2 Commentary The classic definition of rhetoric. Chapter 2 gives the traditional definition of Rhetoric and types of proof (persuasion). There are three categories of proof: ethos, logos, and pathos. Introduces concept of Topic and common and specialized topics The Rhetorical Triangle Chapter 3 Kind of Discourse Judicial (Forensic) Deliberative Audience Time Decision-makers Past Epideictic Spectators Ends (teloi) The just and the unjust Decision-makers Future The expedient and inexpedient Present The noble and shameful Means (topoi) Accusation and defense Persuasion and dissuasion Praise and blame Adapted from DAG Hinks, "Tria Genera Causarum"