Proposal for Writing Project

For my writing project I want to focus on Aristotle who is one of the major figures in Rhetoric. We have learned so much about him and his beliefs on Rhetoric but I believe that we have just scratched the surface. We have learned his definition of rhetoric and that is emphasizes persuasion using the three rhetorical appeals, Ethos, Pathos and Logos. Ethos focuses on the speaker, using trust to show the audience their character and integrity. Reputation, Character and Credibility will impact how your audience will judge you. Pathos triggers senses and feelings, appeals to their listener’s emotions. These are your values, goals, interests and beliefs. Logos focuses on the argument using both logic and explanation, evidence and reason. These were the three elements Aristotle contributed to the argument that rhetoric is a techne. Aristotle divides oratory into three categories, Rhetorical settings. Deliberative, Epideictic, and Forensic/Judicial. He truly believed that rhetoric is something you can look at and interpret it in so many ways. It is something beautiful and unique. Maybe Aristotle wanted to believe in something bigger. He wanted for us to be a part of something that we can all connect to on a different level. Maybe Aristotle considered everyone as artists in rhetoric. Making it into something that fits me as an individual. As long as you use the specific tools to give you a concrete start and works as a guideline, you can make it anything you want it to be. Just like creating a painting. In oder for you to do that you need specific tools. A canvas, paint, paint brushes and your imagination. I think that is the way Aristotle envisioned Rhetoric. I think Aristotle is worth pursuing especially for the students of rhetoric because is it something we use on a daily basis. You can look at the recent presidential debates. Is persuasion before truth? Has Aristotle pushed us away from the truth within rhetoric by influencing us to create something we believe is right? There are so many great things that came from Aristotle’s views and beliefs, but maybe they have made a negative impact on us today. With further research about Aristotle it will give us a better understanding as to why he wanted rhetoric to be what he thought it is and what he envisioned it to be.