Rhetoric and Aristotle

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes Aristotle's ideas about rhetoric. It contrasts Aristotle's perspectives to other theorists and then compares the role of rhetoric and oratory in ancient times to today. Finally, the paper explores the usefulness of rhetoric in our lives today.

Outline
Aristotle's Rhetoric and Other Interpretations
Functions of Rhetoric and Oratory Then and Now
The Usefulness of Rhetoric in Our Roles in Life

From the Paper:

"Rhetoric as defined by Aristotle and others holding fast to his rules is the counterpart of Dialectic. Both alike are concerned with such things as come, more or less, within the general ken of all men and belong to no definite science. Accordingly all men make use, more or less, of both; for to a certain extent all men attempt to discuss statements and to maintain them, to defend themselves and to attack others. Ordinary people do this either at random or through practice or from acquired habit. Both ways being possible, the subject can plainly be handled systematically, for it is possible to inquire the reason why some speakers succeed through practice and others spontaneously; and every one will at once agree that such an inquiry is the function of an art."

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