2.1: What is Rhetoric?
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)The origin of rhetoric.
The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, originated the definition of the word rhetoric that we still use today. In The Art of Rhetoric, he called rhetoric “the art of persuasion.” Before Aristotle wrote his book, the Greeks practiced rhetoric in the forum where they debated important topics of the day. The concepts were there, so Aristotle took those ideas and developed a system to organize and teach what they were doing.
There are three volumes in The Art of Rhetoric. They discuss different kinds of speeches (vol. 1); the characteristics of persuasion (vol. 2); and language and style elements (vol. 3). Western culture has used Aristotle's guidelines throughout its history and development. Our system of education, writing, and speaking, all come from Aristotle.
What is rhetoric?
These days, we define rhetoric as the ability to use language or images to communicate a message. If you remember, we said that most messages are arguments. Since the ability to persuade is needed to communicate these arguments, our new definition fits the parameters of the old one.
You will find rhetoric everywhere, from the ads you see to the information you are reading at this moment. Art, music, books, speeches, news media are all examples of places where you will find rhetoric. Even a username you choose for a game can be rhetoric as it communicates something about you. You are constantly encountering or producing persuasive arguments of varying degrees.
For example, you use rhetoric to convince friends to go out for coffee. You also use it to write a paper for a class, write an email to your boss, or post on social media. Even the menu outside a cafe tries to persuade you to come in and enjoy their food. Every time language is used to communicate, it is rhetoric.
Sometimes people have negative connotations with the word rhetoric. This is because people can use it to manipulate or harm others. The word propaganda is a more accurate way to describe these instances. When people use rhetoric to mislead, lie, or swindle, that is propaganda. So, if you hear someone talking about empty or negative rhetoric, just know that this is not the only way to use it. Rhetoric can also be helpful, informative, creative, and beautiful. Think of the textbooks you read, news stories you hear, TikTok videos you watch, or songs you sing. All of these can use rhetoric in different and positive ways.
Find examples of rhetoric in your neighborhood. What methods are used to persuade readers or listeners? Look at the words, images, symbols, and styles are used. How do they work together to persuade their reader?
Media Attribution
Figure 1: Bronze statue of Aristotle with pen and scroll. Image Couleur from Pixabay