Post #6: Proofs

Proofs are important in the sense of rhetoric because they appeal to the audience's emotion. While rhetoric may rely on logic to back up it's arguments, it is key to engage the audience and persuade them. This is done by appealing to their emotions. One of the classical rhetoricians who understood this claim was Aristotle. He stated that by understanding these emotions, one can then engage then use them in their arguments, making a real impression.

Post #5: Boethius

Boethius, although from the medieval times, emulated his ideas from that of Aristotle. Boethius drew very much from ancient rhetoric, sticking with the classics. However, unlike the others, Boethius wholeheartedly supported the individuals' thoughts on speech. He found it important that everyone develop their own skills. Whereas in Aristotle's time, rhetoric was mostly restricted to the elite and to the church.

Post #4:Medieval Rhetoric

Medieval rhetoric was seen as going through many changes during the rise and change of Christianity. During the time of Augustine there were no public deliberations and the only ones with access to rhetoric and philosophy were priests. To Augustine, classical learning was invaluable, yet the Bible was seen as distasteful due to the offenses it made against the teachings of Cicero.

When Europe was under siege in 1000 CE, classic rhetoric was known by church scholars and authors. One such scholar was Martianus Capella, who had written a book of prose and poetry to describe education. His work had been used in schools. Boethius, who had written philosophy, logic, and commentary on Aristotle and Cicero, stressed concern with style of utmost importance.

The renaissance of the twelfth century involved contact with classical learning as a result of the religious crusades. The study of classical literature had become less restricted, and the study of grammar had become rejuvinated. Poetry had become a main focus, with concentration in tropes and figures. Memorization and re-claiming of all texts had begun.

Post #3: Premise and Rhetorical Examples

To the ancient rhetoricians, premise was of the utmost importance. It acted as their opening statement, setting the stage for their argument. When it came to scientific demonstration, premise consisted of truths that had been scientifically proven. However, when it came to rhetorical reasoning, premise involved human beliefs.

When presenting an argument of any kind, it is important to have examples. Examples can help in proving your point either through a story or an experiment. The key to rhetorical examples is specifics. True rhetoricians are those who evoke sensory details from said examples. For the audience to be able to identify with sights, sounds, and smells, shows that they were able to draw a deep reaction from the argument being presented.

Post #2: Plato

Plato, a famous rhetorician himself, claims poetry to be a type of rhetoric. Plato states that Ion, a type of rhapsode common to Homer, performs the great task of properly dramatizing works such as they Odyssey and the Illiad. However, Socrates' revealing of Ion and it's questionable stance on thesis statements has one wondering whether or not it is really a form of rhetoric at all. Socrates had unveiled that Ion commits to many a thesis that do not in fact work well together. The problem therein lies with the fact that the thesis statement is what working rhetoric is built around.