Intro to Rhetoric-Quiz 1

What are Aristotle's artistic modes of appeal? (3)`

1. Ethos-credibility in speaker 2. Pathos-Appeal to audience 3. Logos-Logic based on argument.

What are Aristotle's genres of discourse? (3)

1. Forensic-past question-Judge 2. Deliberative-future question-judge 3. Epideitic-present question-spectator

What are the general elements of the debate between Plato and the Sophists?

Sophists-the teaching of rhetoric made the weaker argument seem the stronger, thus, worked against the truth. Plato- distrusted rhetoric as a means of decision making; rhetoric can only be used to deceive the masses within a democracy.

What different ways communication can persuade (the persuasive continuum)?(5)

to create a virtual experience, alter perception, explain, formulate belief, initiate action, maintain action.

According to Aristotle, What is an enthymeme and why does this, above other ideas, illustrate rhetoric's distinction from dialectic?

An enthymeme is the 'soul of persuasion'; enthymemes illustrate rhetoric by using universal topics and audience commonly understands and leaves assumptions in the conclusion, rhetoric does not work this way.

What does it mean when we say that arguments (and rhetoric) deal with decisions that are 'contingent'?

Argument deals with decisions and topics that are subject to change in the future when information is lacking.

How is 'argument' defined, and how does this concept relate to the study of rhetoric? (3)

Argument- reasoned discourse that seeks to persuade by presenting support for a position. Aristotle shows three proofs for an argument: ethos, pathos, and logos.

According to, Gorgias' "Encomium of Helen", what is speech?

As a form of persuasion and amusement.

What components does Stephen Toulmin offer to define argument?

He developed a description of patterns in arguementation consisting of: 1. claim 2. data 3. warrant 4. qualifications 5. backing 6. and conditions for rebuttal.

What are Plato's assumptions about human beings (and the soul) that inform his theory of rhetoric?

Plato's 'good rhetoric'- explain the soul, describe how it works, arrange speeches, lead to good/knowledge/wisdom.

What is Plato's theory of rhetoric? How is rhetoric conceptualized in the dialogue?

Plato- a false art and a dangerous form of manipulation. This is seen in the dialogue through Phaedrus; someone with an obsessive and conspicuously a superficial attachment to rhetoric.

What is Aristotle's theory on rhetoric(3)? What informs his belief that rhetoric can be a useful tool as public speech(3)?

Rhetoric can do 3 things: 1. Assist in defense of truth and justice 2. persuade a less intellectual 3. ensures both sides of the argument are considered. Three factors of rhetoric are used in speech such as: 1. Speaker 2. Mood 3. Argument

What is rhetoric?

Rhetoric is the use of symbolic action by human beings to share ideas, enabling us to work together to make decisions about matters of common concern.

What are traits that make rhetoric different from dialectic (Plato's view of philosophy)?

Rhetoric- Particular issue, Audience, Enthymeme Dialectic- Universal questions, two persons, Syllogism-a deductive approach.

What assumptions about human beings and democratic politics justify rhetoric's importance? Also, What is rhetorical agency?

Rhetorical agency is the capacity to act; to have competence to speak and write in a way that will be recognized by others in the community. Rhetoric used to be a way Athenian men could participate in political, economic, social, and legal structures. This allowed them to be engages in civic discussion

How does Gorgias' essay illustrate the general belief system of the Sophists?

Using rhetorical relativism to defend Helen through disposition and persuasion.

What does rhetoric have to do with love? And how are these topic used to inform each other in the dialogue?

We need Lysias to have the urge for the relationship (love) to show love needs some sort of repayment or benefit. He shows this when he 'lauds a relationship' with a non-lover. Saying they are needy and a temperamental annoyance.

What is an enthymeme?

a syllogism based on examples whose function is rhetorical persuasion through the joint efforts of the speaker and audience.

How does the Phaedrus illustrate Plato's gripe against the Sophists?

by showing it through lysias; he lauds a relationship but has gripe in finding the repayment in it.

Why is Toulmin's 'model' a useful way to understand rhetoric as the art of good reasons?

his model is based off claims, and these claims create good data, by providing good data, that is evidence to support your claim.