If you had asked me to define rhetoric before beginning this class, I would not have been able to give you an answer. Luckily, after watching the videos posted on the class page and reading the first chapter in Everything's an Argument, I feel I have a basic idea of rhetoric an it's applications in our daily lives. I would define rhetoric as a means of presenting a point in a convincing, well-expressed, and effective way. It was definitely insightful to begin to view everything as an argument, and examine how everyday actions and items can be used to form or support an argument. On pages 22 and 26 of the textbook, the excerpts on differing definitions and their effects on the goals of the differing parties is incredibly important to keep in mind when forming and supporting an argument. We as a consumer, voter, etc. need to be aware of where our information is coming from and whether or not it is reported as it has actually occurred. When I came across the sections on Pathos, Ethos, and Logos, I realized that rhetoric wasn't as foreign to me as I had previously thought. I had been constructing arguments that followed these models since I was a child. It was also interesting to me that Aristotle's findings from so long ago are extremely applicable in today's society. I also began mentally examining the different tones of different publications after reading page 30 in Everything is an Argument. I don't often come across publications where the author uses alienating personal pronouns, but am now more aware of their presence and the effects they could have on a reader who does not fit in the intended audience. A term I found useful about rhetoric came from the video Introduction to Rhetoric when the narrator talked about Kairos, the right or opportune moment. This term to me is essential to forming a strong and relevant argument. By presenting an argument in the correct situation, you are giving the argument the best chance to succeed as opposed to allowing it to falter in less ideal circumstances.
Everything you mention, I agree with. A couple sentences caught my eye though. You mention the usage of alienating personal pronouns. I think you bring about a great point on this subject and I will not be surprised if this catches other attention as well. The term kairos is one that I also found useful.
ReplyDeleteI thought the same thing after watching the lecture notes on logos, pathos, and ethos. it wasn't as foreign to me as i thought. we had been constructing arguments using these appeals since childhood.
ReplyDeleteI also feel that Kairos is a important term to remember when creating an argument. Timing is everything!!!
I agree, I never would have been able to define rhetoric either. But I love your definition of rhetoric since it's broad to encompass all that rhetoric is and you also found other ways to define rhetoric other than using the word "persuasion".
ReplyDeleteVery nice post. Your observation about definitions is interesting. How often does the media (or teachers or parents or friends) define things for us? We often don't even think about whether those definitions are useful or even correct. Rhetoric is very important to being savvy consumers and voters.
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