Qu: What is the function of  the art of rhetoric according to Book I Chapter 1 & 2?

 

Qu: Why is the function of rhetoric not described as ‘to persuade?’

 

Qu: What is the goal of rhetorical activity? What does the pursuit of that goal presuppose?

 

Qu: What is it to persuade?

 

Qu: Let ‘speech’ stand for the medium of communication used to persuade. What are the three types of public speech Aristotle considers?

 

Qu: What, are the three elements common to all types of speech? How are they related to the three pisteis or “means of persuasion?" What are those three means?

 

Qu: Why is it important to take into account, and, if necessary, to modify the audience’s emotional states (pathos)?

 

Qu: Name some of the means of persuasion that can be used to influence or manipulate the audience's emotional state! (Make a list of your own ideas).

 

Qu: How will a speaker go about modifying the audience’s emotional disposition?

 

Qu: How does one persuade through argument (logos) and mode of presentation ?

 

 Qu: What are the two ways of proving?

 

Qu: What is a (logical) deduction, deduction in general? What is deduction as specifically used in rhetoric, a rhetorical deduction (enthymeme)?

 

 Qu: What is induction in general? What is rhetorical induction?

 

 Qu: What makes rhetorical deduction and rhetorical induction special when compared to their logical (dialectic) versions?

 

 

 

Discussion Questions:

Qu: What does the speaker who appeals to his character (ethos)  rely on for persuasion? What in a character persuades people to adopt his opinions, proposals or evaluations? Which traits will undermine a speaker’s appeal to character? (Find Aristotle’s answers, but also give your own ideas).

 

Qu: Is rhetoric just the art of tricking one’s audience? Does one even need to possess rhetoric when one just wants to rely on the merits of one’s case? (Think about this yourself).

 

Qu: Can rhetoric be used for evil purposes? Why is it not conceived in such a way that it is a means only of pursuing the good? (Think about this yourself).

 

Qu: Do you think Aristotle is right when he claims that people are most strongly convinced when they suppose that something has been proven? (Think of reasons in favor and against this idea.)