My current definition of rhetoric is a combination of a broad understanding that rhetoric is the art of language and how it can be bent to do many specific jobs. It can refer to public speaking, like in a court, and therefore be directed towards persuasion. Another specific job, could be to provide an audience with either of the pisteis, which are ethos, pathos, and logos. Now with the introduction of a more secular way of thinking, Humanism, I am pulled more towards the job of persuasion of rhetoric and the proving rhetoric is used to do. Some examples of rhetoric being seen in the era we are discussing includes the printing press (Bible) and civic persuasion (the rise of the “everyday” man, running for higher positions, like Mayor.
To be continued…