• I learned that rhetoric does not have a concrete definition. There are many different theories and perspectives available depending on which sophist or philosopher being examined. The history of rhetoric, i.e. key figures and terms were available in Herrick’s readings. Also we spent time in class lecturing about these things. I found it quite interesting to learn about the History of rhetoric, although I have not yet committed everything to memory. Completing the exam helped ingrain some of the historical and cultural aspects of this class. Completing the paper helped e refine my skills as a writer, but also make an argument about Greek culture. In fact. it was necessary to combine the historical aspects of the class with the writing aspects. Completing the readings and annotations helped me acquire the historical knowledge needed for the class, while lectures on how to write helped me refine my skills as a writer.
• Spending the time to analyze specific readings as a class really helps me to understand the document. Group work usually isn’t that much beneficial because of the time constraint in class. There should be readings for homework; however, the sheer volume per night is a little much. I think 20 pages before class is reasonable.

Cultural Research Essay_Palandati-2ewdf2b

Help Received: Writing center analyzed thesis and supporting body paragraphs, Mike Morrison completed my peer review in class, see works cited for specific documents.

Charles Palandati

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Readings

Charles Palandati

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assigned readings

Charles Palandati

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Charles Palandati

To what extent does P. Soc. reconcile himself with rhetoric? Why is this surprising? Or isn’t?

P. Soc concludes that rhetoric is used for determining the truth in things. The issue at hand becomes how to define truth. According to Plato, truth is only found in reason, rather than being observed; which means that rationale is objective, contrary to popular thought. In Plato’s mind people cannot be trusted to accurately decipher what they observe. Additionally, their perception is subject to disillusion.

These stances are not surprising based on the history of Plato’s dislike for the sophists. Even though Gorgias identified as a rhetorician, he would say truth cannot be known due to the limitations of language. Protagoras would respond to Plato by saying “man is the measure of all things”. In other words arguing that perception is reality, completely opposing Plato’s point of view.

The big question concerning sophists versus philosophers is whether or not there are absolutes or contingent truths. Furthermore, this debate is continued today in regards to religion versus science. Who is correct? Only rhetoric can determine that.