RHE306_1.23
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School
University of Texas *
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Course
306
Subject
Communications
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
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The provided text offers an overview of the historical and philosophical
context of rhetoric, discussing its varied perceptions and controversies. Here
are some key points:
1. **Diverse Meanings of Rhetoric:**
- The term "rhetoric" has acquired various meanings, with some associating
it with empty talk or deception.
- Wayne Booth's quote highlights the initial challenges in understanding
rhetoric due to its diverse interpretations.
2. **Historical Criticisms of Rhetoric:**
- Plato's "Gorgias" is mentioned as one of the earliest and influential
discussions critical of rhetoric
. Plato, through Socrates, views rhetoric
negatively, condemning it as "foul" and "ugly."
- John Locke, in the 17th century, echoed Plato's sentiments, considering
rhetoric as a tool for insinuating wrong ideas and misleading judgment.
3. **Nietzsche's Perspective:**
- Friedrich Nietzsche provides a more measured assessment of rhetoric,
recognizing its conscious application of artistic means of speaking. He
suggests that rhetoric is a further development of artistic means already
present in language.
4. **Rhetoric's Struggle for Credibility:**
- The text notes that since Plato's time, rhetoric has faced criticism and a
struggle to redeem its tarnished image.
- Scholars like Wayne Booth, Richard McKeon, and others in the 20th century
have re-evaluated rhetoric, considering it a universal and architectonic art
that organizes and structures other disciplines.
5. **Modern Views on Rhetoric:**
- Richard Lanham advocates a return to rhetorical studies to understand the
impact of digital devices on reading and writing. He suggests that rhetoric's
original thinking can guide us in adapting to new forms of communication.
- Andrea Lunsford emphasizes the relevance of rhetoric in understanding the
changing landscape of digital communication and how writing can impact the
world.
6. **Mixed Reviews of Rhetoric:**
- The discussion concludes by acknowledging rhetoric's Jekyll and Hyde
qualities—shifting between helpful and constructive to deceptive and
manipulative.
- The mixed reviews of rhetoric are attributed to its association with
persuasion, a fundamental yet often suspect human activity.
Overall, the text provides a glimpse into the complex history and varied
perspectives on rhetoric, highlighting its ongoing relevance and the
challenges it faces in public perception. If you have specific questions or if
there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further, feel free to let me
know!
The provided text explores the close relationship between rhetoric and
persuasion, highlighting the historical association and the dual nature of
persuasion as both essential and often mistrusted. It further discusses the
pervasive role of persuasion in various aspects of life, including work, personal
relationships, sports, medicine, and more.
The text emphasizes that persuasion is a universal human activity, and
individuals engage in persuasive efforts regularly. It also acknowledges the
internal aspect of persuasion, where individuals persuade themselves in
decision-making processes.
Moreover, the text expands the discussion to include various symbol systems
beyond language, such as music, dance, acting, painting, architecture, sports,
and unexpected locations like typeface in printing. The author argues that
these symbol systems convey meaning and can be considered rhetorical in
nature.
The definition of rhetoric is explored, with scholars offering different
perspectives. Rhetoric is defined as the systematic study and intentional
practice of effective symbolic expression, encompassing goals such as
persuasion, clarity, beauty, and mutual understanding. The term "rhetorical
discourse" is introduced to refer to messages crafted according to the
principles of rhetoric.
The text concludes by mentioning the expansion of rhetoric's goals and
symbolic resources, leading to the consideration of different kinds of rhetoric.
It also introduces six distinguishing qualities of rhetorical discourse, setting it
apart from other types of communication.
If you have specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to
explore further, feel free to let me know!
Discussion Post 2: What is Rhetoric? 44 unread replies.66 replies. Before completing this discussion post, read the Course Theme Guide, and the following: The Introduction to Jodie Nicotra's Becoming Rhetorical Herrick's "An Overview of Rhetoric up to where it's marked "stop for Unit 1.", The sections assigned last week of Plato's Gorgias Then, write a post of at least 350 words, which addresses the following: How would you define rhetoric
coming into this class, or where/how have you heard the term used before? In your own words, what is Nicotra's definition of "rhetoric"? In your own words, what is Herrick's definition of "rhetoric"? In your own words, what is Gorgias and Plato's definition of "rhetoric"? How are their definitions similar and how are they different? How do they compare to your own understanding of rhetoric as you've come to understand it thus far?
ChatGPT
ChatGPT
Defining Rhetoric: A Journey of Perspectives
Coming into the class, I have a really different understanding of Rhetoric.Rhetoric was shaped by its common association with persuasive communication,as an art or power. In various contexts, rhetoric was mentioned in relation to political speeches, advertising, and public discourse. Before my thoughts about rhetoric is limited to writing.
Nicotra views rhetoric not merely as persuasive communication but as a complex and dynamic process that involves negotiation, adaptation, and understanding the diverse contexts .It seems to extend beyond influencing others and encompasses a broader understanding of how communication functions in various situations.
Herrick provided a historical perspective, emphasizing the multifaceted nature
of rhetoric. Herrick sees rhetoric as encompassing more than persuasion, involving the strategic use of symbols for communication. His definition about rhetoric is really broad,It includes many symbolic systems such as language,acting, painting, architecture and even expression,which really make me aware of the experts’ power in certain situation.
Plato's Gorgias,thought rhetoric is portrayed negatively, particularly when associated with Sophists, highlighting its potential to deceive and lead to unjust outcomes. This contrasts with the more neutral or positive connotations I initially associated with rhetoric.
Comparing these definitions, similarities emerge in the recognition of rhetoric's complexity and its role beyond persuasion. However, differences arise in the evaluation of rhetoric's ethical implications. Reflecting on these perspectives, my initial understanding of rhetoric as primarily persuasive communication has evolved. Rhetoric encompasses a rich tapestry of communicative processes, symbolic expressions, and ethical considerations. It invites a deeper exploration into human communication and
its implications for understanding diverse situations.
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