The Art of RhetoricWith the emergence of democracy in the city-state of Athens in the years around 460 BC, public speaking became an essential skill for politicians in the Assemblies and Councils - and even for ordinary citizens in the courts of law. In response, the technique of rhetoric rapidly developed, bringing virtuoso performances and a host of practical manuals for the layman. While many of these were little more than collections of debaters' tricks, the Art of Rhetoric held a far deeper purpose. Here Aristotle (384-322 BC) establishes the methods of informal reasoning, provides the first aesthetic evaluation of prose style and offers detailed observations on character and the emotions. Hugely influential upon later Western culture, the Art of Rhetoric is a fascinating consideration of the force of persuasion and sophistry, and a compelling guide to the principles behind oratorical skill. |
Contents
Style and Composition | |
The Rhetorical Legacy of Aristotle | |
Introductory | |
3 The Genres | |
6 The Good and the Expedient | |
7 Relative Expediency | |
7 Favour | |
11 Jealousy | |
16 Wealth | |
21 Maxim | |
24 Illusory Topics | |
2 Clarity | |
4 Simile | |
10 Wit and Metaphor | |
Litigation | |
13 Crime and Punishment | |
EMOTION AND CHARACTER | |
4 Friendship and Enmity | |
Composition | |
17 Proof and Refutation | |
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Common terms and phrases
achieved action admired advantage adversary anger apparent appropriate argument Aristotle Aristotle’s aspects Athenian Athens audience beginning better century CHAPTER character characteristic claim clear common concept concerned condition connection consider constitution course crime definition deliberation deliberative demonstration discussion easily effect elements emotions enthymeme especially established Ethics example excess fact fear feel forensic friends give given greater Greek hand happen happiness Hence important instance interest introduction judge kind less matter means mentioned metaphor nature necessary object obvious occurs one’s opposite orator oratory pain particular persuasion philosophical pity pleasant pleasure Poetics political possible practical praise premisses present probably produced proof prose punishment reason refutation remark rhetoric seems shame similar sort speak speaker speech style suffer syllogism things thought topics treatment true virtue whole wish witnesses wrong