Abstract The paper describes the differences between classic and modernrhetoric. The paper charts this changing use of rhetoric, while also examining the way external factors throughout history have had an impact on this theoretical evolution.
From the Paper "In philosophy and the human sciences, rhetoric has for centuries played a significant role. The art of rhetoric involves the usage of language to harness authority, reason, and emotions in order to persuade an audience to either agree with the speaker, pass judgment, or identify with a particular point of view and act on it. In Greece, rhetoric had its humble origins in the Sophist school of philosophy around 600 B.C. - many years before Socrates. Later, rhetoric was one of the major liberal arts to be taught in the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages. The art of rhetoric would be confined to legal and political settings throughout the medieval period of history. A rhetorical argument may also utilize popular opinion, beliefs, and selected evidence. Modern rhetoric encompasses a wider range of practices than was the case in the ancient and medieval period."
Abstract The paper defines the concept of rhetoric as a strategy through which exploration of concepts can be achieved. The paper explores classic and modernrhetoric in order to achieve an understanding of rhetoric and its purpose. The paper outlines the transformations in the perception and use of rhetoric and shows how this tool of communication now helps to expand thought instead of being used specifically to convince others.
Outline:
Introduction
ClassicRhetoric The Emergence of ModernRhetoric Conclusion
From the Paper "The emergence of rhetoric within ancient Greece came to pass after the popularization of sophist inquiry. Sophism as a debate tool enabled the speaker to argue any given point regardless of its factual accuracy, a process that empowered those engaged in the dialogue to explore all possible tangents leading from a core concept. Yet while sophism was powerful as a means of expanding the limits of thought, it was not appropriate as a means of identifying core truths within a debate. Following the works of Plato in which truth and internal integrity were championed as fundamentals of existence, sophism was not a sustainable concept."
Abstract This paper looks at two of the classical experts on rhetoric, two philosophers, two ancient thinkers from Greece - Plato and Aristotle - who while they were close had differing opinions and beliefs regarding this art and way of thinking and arguing. The following essay looks at Plato's Gorgias and Phaedrus in order to study just what this man's thoughts on rhetoric were. Then the focus shifts to Aristotle, whose Rhetoric and Poetics will reveal this philosopher's wisdom on the subject.
From the Paper "Aristotle and Plato on Rhetoric "Rhetoric" is a term thrown around too often today, with the user most likely having no clue of its meaning or rich background. From "rhetorical" questions to claims of politicians merely using "rhetoric," too many times the term and overall idea is exercised without a complete understanding of exactly what "rhetoric" is."
Abstract This paper shows that there are clear connections between the classical and modern theater in Greece just as there are clear connections between the theater of classical Greece and the modern theater of the West in general. The writer explains that much of what we believe to be proper theater-making comes from classical works, including the same ideas about character, motif and plot.
From the Paper "The works of the ancient Greek playwrights are difficult for us to read within the context of the 21st century because most people today believe in the validity of the idea of free will. This inclination towards believing in the importance of free will is especially important for Americans, since we have all been (more or less) raised by the national philosophy that dictates to us from childhood onward that anyone can grow up to be president, that we can ? and indeed are responsible ? for making of our lives what we will."
Abstract This paper discusses how classicism has been a powerful force in the modern era and how both Nazis and modernizing architects, like Le Corbusier, employed the style and its principles in connection with their own aims. Specifically, the paper looks at how, in both cases, the classical canon was seen as a way of expressing fundamental ideas about society and the world and how classicism, with its strict rules of composition and proportion, appeared ideally suited to a movement that craved strict order and rigid discipline at all costs, as did the Nazis. It also examines how its naturally-inspired rhythms appealed to Le Corbusier because they appeared to represent the way in which nature, and even Divinity were constructed and directed and how these transcendent qualities captured the imagination of architects.
From the Paper "Hitler's views on the ideal society were based on a supposedly rational construction of human history and biology. The Third Reich was intended to be an expression of "scientific" principals of eugenics and "natural law." In the Fuhrer's Germany, and society would be one. They would function together as a single, well-ordered, well-disciplined, organic machine. Those elements deemed undesirable by Adolf Hitler would be forcibly and violently purged from the body politic in order to create a new, purified, and stronger Germany. On the face of it, Classicism too presented many of these same "ideals." Classical architecture was particularly associated with the idea of the public monument, a concept that dated back to antiquity, but only became prevalent in the Western World during the Nineteenth Century. "
Abstract This paper discusses how President Truman's rhetorical style and manner of outlining the objectives and direction of American politics, brought a radical change to the rhetoric of American politics especially during the Cold War. The paper examines the phases that Truman's rhetorical context follows, focusing on his rhetoric in the first years of the Cold War just after World War II and the following years.
Outline:
Introduction
Propaganda during the Cold War
a) Period of Naivete
b) Period of Hysteria
Evaluation
From the Paper "According to Medhurst (1988), between 1945 to 1947, Truman exhibited rhetorical failures by choosing the rhetorically "inappropriate strategy of silence and noncommitment" (p.54) when confronted with the inflexible and deceitful politics of the Soviet Union. Medhurst states that the President's rhetoric during this period, was reticent and one which failed to inform the Americans about the arising problems of Soviet "expansionism, intimidation and support for indigenous armed minorities" (p. 55). In fact, Medhurst defines Truman's rhetoric as a "rather laudatory of the Soviet Union" (p. 55) and points out that it was due to his forthright, clear and authoritarian rhetorical manner that lead to the perception that the Soviet-American relations were mildly positive. However, even though this authoritarian style attempted to portray the Soviet Union in a mildly positive light in the eyes of the American public, "rhetoric had not mirrored reality" (Medhurst, 1988, p. 56). Vague assertions such as "we shall refuse to recognize any government imposed upon any nation by the force of any foreign power" (as cited in Medhurst 1988, p. 56), stated by the President in a foreign policy address in 1945, "were as close as he would come to overt criticism of the Soviet regime" (Medhurst, 1988, p.56). "
Tags: Truman, rhetorical, rhetoric, speech, Cold, War, propaganda, administration
Abstract This paper defines three words: skepticism, rhetoric, and sophism. It then combines these words into an essay. A sophist questions knowledge, but he or she is different than a skeptic. Another philosophical term is rhetoric. Rhetoric is used to persuade people to someone's philosophical view on a topic. Sophists used rhetoric in explaining their skepticism about life and different topics. "
From the Paper "Philosophical Skepticism and Rhetoric in Sophism Imagine believing that nothing exists and if something does exist, a person cannot know for sure, and if they cannot know for sure then they cannot teach it to others (Philosophy of the Sophists). People who thought this way were called Sophists. Another important philosophical term is skepticism. "Philosophical skepticism is a critical attitude which systematically questions the notion that absolute knowledge and certainty are possible" (Carroll). Another philosophical term is rhetoric, which means rhetoric. Rhetoric is used to persuade people to someone's philosophical view on a topic. Sophists used rhetoric in explaining their skepticism about life and different topics. Sophists wanted to know how a person can know something and whether what they learn can actually be truth. "The Sophists centered their efforts on the problem of knowledge as well as on the problem of morality and justice" (Classic Philosophers)."
Abstract This paper examines Plato's critique of rhetoric as witnessed in the Socratic dialogue known as the Gorgias that argues rhetoric is not an effective method of communication particularly when compared to the dialectic. It also compares Plato's views of civic rhetoric with those of Aristotle.
From the Paper "Even though Aristotle agreed with Plato on a number of ideas, they disagreed on a variety of significant philosophical and practical concepts. One of these was the best form for civic rhetoric. Plato argues in the Gorgias ..."
Abstract A discussion of whether political speech today is rhetorical. The paper analyses the meaning of rhetorical speech and how this is applied to political speech. The argument for and against the use of rhetorical speech in the political arena is discussed and its affects analyzed. The ideas of Beard are discussed and applied to present day politics.
From the Paper "Many individuals view rhetoric as a means of manipulation, not persuasion. When rhetoric is applied to political speech, therefore, it may be concluded that the politician is attempting to sway the public's opinion in a manner that is unjust and false. While rhetoric focuses on the appealing to emotion, religious values, and the structure and cultural value of the community, it can also be argued that rhetoric serves the public by inspiring them to alter the way in which society functions, and the paths that are elected for the future (Garsten 10). Beard discusses that rhetoric has three main parts in a political speech, repetition, contrast pairs and pronouns. These elements are evident in each political speech of substance that has affected the lives of its listeners profoundly. Arnold Schwarzenegger, having immigrated to the United States, participating in famous bodybuilding and movie careers, became.."
Abstract This paper offers a character analysis of Creon in the play Oedipus the King, with an emphasis on human nature. One aspect of human nature that is explored is what Aristotle referred to as the art of rhetoric. The paper's main focus is Creon's use of the art of persuasion. The paper uses Aristotle's "Rhetoric" as the basis for the analysis, and as a secondary source.
From the Paper ?Sometimes persuasion is only glorified manipulation, and other times persuasion is truly the heartfelt sentiment of the speaker. Either way, in the eyes of the Greek philosophers persuasion is form of art. While Creon defends himself from the accusations of Oedipus he taints his words with succulent messages of pathos, logos and ethos... When comparing Creon's speech to Aristotle's guidelines for successful rhetoric we can see that Creon speaks in a manor that renders him "worthy of confidence" (17)."
Abstract This paper discusses Plato's ideas on how we discover truth with continual dialogue. The author looks at Plato's theories about the objective of dialectic and rhetoric and compares the two arguing that while rhetoric is used as a tool for persuasion, dialectic is used as a tool to achieve truth.
From the paper:
"An editorial in The Daily Princetonian of February 21, 2000 extols alcohol as ?the world's most extraordinary beverage,? noting specifically that alcohol's effects are akin to a truth serum. Through a Platonic lens, this statement comes to acute focus. Alcohol is widely noted as a conversational stimulus where participants are less inhibited in expressing opinions. Platonic congruity arises because Plato espouses dialectic, a candid give and take discourse, as a means to discovering immutable Truth. Thus, even Plato could consent to The Daily Princetonian's judgment (Brummett 25)."
Tags: aristotle, cicero, de, gorgias, oratore, plato, rhetoric, sophist, theory
Abstract This paper examines how European and American theatrical dance had always centered on ballet until the early 20th century, when it became fashionable in dance circles to rebel against the strictures of tradition. It looks at how modern dance, which resembles modern art and music in that it is experimental and iconoclastic, developed primarily in the United States and Germany. It discusses how, in the beginning, modern dance was often misunderstood by audiences and how, by the 1950s, modern dance was firmly established in the dance world. It also shows how modern dance is said to be based on the four principles of substance, dynamism, metakinesis, and form, and how, due to the creative efforts of the modern dance pioneers, dancers today use a broader range of techniques, styles, and source materials than ever before.
From the Paper "The first American dancers to break from classical ballet were Isadora Duncan, Loie Fuller, and Ruth St. Denis (Modern pp). Although their styles differed, their unconventional approaches opened the door to a new era in dance history, namely the American modern dance movement of the 1920's (Modern pp). Those involved in this movement based their works on personal experience, using their bodies as instruments to express emotions such as passion, fear, grief or joy (Modern pp). The dancer created form as an outgrowth of his or her own communicative impulses, rather than adhering to the set form and limited range of gestures of ballet (Modern pp)."
Abstract The essay attempts to determine how far the character of King Henry in Shakespeare's play, "Henry V", uses rhetoric to communicate what is true, or whether in fact he uses language to simply flatter his listeners with what they want to hear. The paper further attempts to show how far King Henry uses rhetoric as a method of manipulation in order to achieve his goals.
From the Paper "Henry, like his father (and very unlike Richard II) is aware that the power of language can be used as a valuable political device. He uses his skill as a rhetorician to achieve success as a leader. He has the capability to change his emotions according to the situation, therefore adapting to the audience he wants to persuade. Similarly Othello's Iago uses rhetoric as a powerful tool of persuasion. Through words he is able to convince Othello of his wife's unfaithfulness, thus playing a major part in her murder. With Iago's extreme dishonest use of rhetoric, the question remains; how honest is King Henry V?"
Abstract This paper compares the use of rhetoric in two of William Shakespeare's most famous soliloquies: The "To be or not to be..." speech in "Hamlet" and the "St. Crispins" speech in "Henry V". The goal of the paper is to compare the sincerity in each given the character speaking and the context in which the soliloquy is delivered. Hamlet is contemplating suicide. King Henry is trying to motivate his outnumbered army.
From the Paper "Although a read of Shakespeare's "To be..." speech from Hamlet and a read of his "St. Crispins" speech from Henry V show similarities in the use of rhetoric, an examination of the context of each speech hints at more sincerity in the former than in the latter. This is not to say that young Hamlet doesn't show his own share of deception throughout the play; however, in this particular speech, he is wrestling with all that he has had to endure with the death of his father and the implication of his uncle and mother in the crime. Often referred to as the most famous speech in English literature, Hamlet's "To Be..." speech is an internal exploration of the dilemma he finds himself in the midst of the mystery of his father's death."
Abstract This paper examines the Hollywood western in Hollywood's modern period. To illustrate the changing nature of cinema and how the western reflected this, two films are shown to be exemplary of the times: "Cat Ballou" and "The Wild Bunch." The two movies are analyzed based on the trends that they set and by how far they broke away from the mold set by classical Hollywood cinema.
From the Paper "In Hollywood's modernist period, filmmakers were finding that the western was becoming something of an anachronsim. The dichotomous view of good and evil, savage minority characters, insistence upon high moral standards, and strict codes of conduct are just a few elements that typified the genre but didn't help its cause in the face of a society in flux. In the face of the Vietnam war and revolutions in both sexuality and civil rights, could people really identify with the genre anymore? Hollywood's solution to the western problem was one that typified the modernist period: they experimented, taking the genre in directions that it had never gone before. What we see in two exemplary modernist westerns, Cat Ballou and The Wild Bunch, is intense experimentation within the myth, conventions, and iconography of its predecessors. By doing so, the two films allow their viewers to gain uncanny insights into both how grounded the classical and post classical westerns were in terms of genre, and to what degree the modern period was able to successfully able to break away."
