Category Rhetorical Traditions I

I have chosen to discuss the Sophists for the upcoming writing assignment. I propose to endorse the Sophists as positive influences on society and history. Although many will argue against this point of view, even the great Plato himself, I… Continue Reading →

Throughout this first part of the semester, I have gained a great deal of knowledge concerning rhetoric. To begin with, we attempted to define and qualify what rhetoric is. This search for a definition caused me to challenge my preconceived thoughts… Continue Reading →

In book I, Aristotle makes the claim that truth does not always persuade. This is a very provocative thought from the great Greek philosopher. He is attempting to show that the truth, if not properly proclaimed, can easily be swept… Continue Reading →

Plato is concerned with the distinction between mere belief and true knowledge because it is a critical presupposition which often gets over looked. For a man can believe that the sun orbits around the earth; he can believe it with… Continue Reading →

One of the first impressions I had of Plato’s and Gorgias’ conversation was the banter. With an entertaining rhythm, the two great thinkers kept a balance of respect, wit, and tension throughout the dialogue. It was quite pleasant to imagine… Continue Reading →

Whether seen in a wily political speech, an innocuous conversation between parent and child, or a literary masterpiece, rhetoric saturates human life. It traverses our existence like a needle and thread, binding together many fabrics of life. At the center… Continue Reading →