Beginning the semester we are back to basics, rhetoric is the art of persuasion and Aristotle was definitely an effective artist of the form. Jay Heinrich pays homage to rhetoric’s roots emphasizing the ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos that should be considered when forming an argument.
All techniques of persuasion, and at times borderline coercion, should maintain being an argument instead of a fight.
Similarly to the practices of Machiavelli, Heinrich explores subtle deceptions in order to influence his audience. One such deception is offering multiple opinions of extremes making the true opinion of the author seem the most logical and agreeable perspective. Creating an atmosphere with appropriate mood and tone is imperative to influencing an audience.
Chapter 1: Decorum
Chapter 2: Ethics/virtue
Chapter 3: Caring/disinterest
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Matthew Penaranda