Aristotle

Aristotle



Aristotle

Introduction

“Aristotle Rhetoric is an Ancient Greece treatise on the art of persuasion.” The art of persuasion plays a role in influencing individuals and groups alike. This influence can lead to changes in governments, the difference between war and peace, as well as the rights and freedoms with any given society. The use of persuasion to influence is quite evident in today's government and political process. This has been viewed in the times of Aristotle dating from the fourth century BC until now. Comparatively, there has been some evolution in complexities as extra ordinary means of communication as well as, audiences reached have changed since the times of Ancient Greece, although there are resources of symbols that have long been recognized in assisting the goal of persuasion. (Herrick 2009 p.10)

Aristotle defines rhetoric as the ability to see what is possibly persuasive in every given case, and a rhetorician as someone who is always able to see what is persuasive. It is not a requirement in his definition to successfully persuade the audience but rather be someone that is a master of his art as a rhetorician, through having a full grasp of his method is more likely to be successful in achieving their goal. For example a student may become a better pilot if they understand aerodynamics and are able to apply them in flight. It does not guarantee their success but may make it more likely.

Thesis Statement In the twentieth century rhetorical theorist are still confirm the belief that “the purpose of rhetoric is persuasion” (Herrick 2009 p.12).The purpose being to change or influence the view of the audience to that of the speaker or writer. (Herrick 2009 p.12) Along side of this, rhetoric has been said to also be concerned with techniques for gaining compliance and this premise has caused arguments on whether it is a tool that ends in manipulation and deception, and therefore is immoral. (Herrick 2009 p.3)

Discussion

Aristotle believes there are three ways that rhetoricians persuade in a speech situation which include ethos, pathos and logos. Ethos is persuasion through ideologies as well as the presentation of moral credibility of the speaker. Pathos is the artistic proof that has to do with the ability of a speaker to be appealing to the emotions of and audience. Logos is the form of persuasion which comes through reasoned or logical discourse.(kennedy 2007 p.20) Through out different historical periods four symbols in congruency with Aristotle's have been recognized as assisting the goal of persuasion which include argument, appeal, arrangement, and aesthetics.(herrick 2009 p.13). It should be noted though Aristotle gives no indication that he believes arrangement may be important to rhetoric. (Kennedy 2007 p. 29)

All of these factors including the element of arrangement of rhetoric sometimes can play a significant role in our present day political process. The planned ordering of a news story in the news paper, or even internet news page is placed strategically because they have proven this technique ...