ARCS
chap5
The chapter has indicated the four methods
for rhetoric; they are scientific demonstration, dialectic, rhetoric, and false
reasoning. Rhetorical reasoning mainly involves human action and belief. False
reasoning involves appeals that are widely accepted. This chapter also
discussed the ideal of probability, deductive argument, inductive argument and
enthymemes. Lastly, the chapter illustrates the use of examples, analogy, signs
and maxims.
One thing I agree with is the idea that “there
are little certain within human senses or the realm of human actions” (p.121).
I agree with it because I also believe that human judgments or human senses are
uncertain as much as they are unreliable. One example from real life can be a
promise; it is possible somebody promised to help you with cleaning your classroom
but didn’t show up, so you will have to do all the cleaning yourself. I also
find it interesting that false claims or illogical arguments exists frequently
in enthymemes. Take an example from the book, on page 126, it said “Men have
the power in Hollywood, that’s why there are so few good roles for older
actresses.” I noticed that this statement has used false claim because it
ignored men who are willing to find good roles for older women. I realize that
such claims appear in daily dialogues whenever people want to express their
opinion or their biased opinion, because they don’t pay attention to whether
their thinking or saying is weak or lack of consideration. I think people make
mistakes while talking not only because they haven’t think logically but also
because the way they think and talk forces them to express message
automatically so they are less likely to be aware of the accuracy or
correctness of the message they are expressing.
Another concept I consider interesting is
logicians’ idea that “the relations between classes and the particulars were a
fundamental element of human thinking” (p. 123). According to my understanding
of this statement, human thinking is based on classes thus it requires people
to act on classification; in another words, if people do not have any ideas (or
classified ideas) in their mind they will not be able to think. I kind of agree
with this statement because if I do not classify hamburgers as belong to the
food category, then I would not think of it as I try to pick up the option for
my dinner.
Lastly, I think that the use of analogy is important.
Just like the use of similar and contrary examples, analogy can support or
enhance a statement by comparing different people or events. For example, if
you are arguing against illegal elephant slaughtering, you may say “imagine
your own species are being killed.” In this statement, I compared elephant
slaughtering with the idea of human killing. The two issues deal with two
different species but both issues are facing moral violation; hence the analogy
reinforces the statement that we should not slaughter elephant because just like
we should not kill people such action is inhumane.
RT,
Cicero, pp.283-338
The reading mainly covers the three books
of De Oratore. In book 1, both
Crassus and Antonius discussed the importance of natural ability. Crassus also
talked about Greco-Roman rhetoric curriculum and Roman laws. In book2, Antonius
defined the scope of rhetoric; he, like Socrates, also said rhetoric is neither
art nor knowledge, but something relies on delusions and falsehood. Antonius
also pointed out the ways to develop people’s rhetorical ability, which is to
let them imitate good rhetorical models and practicing law suits and theories.
In book 2, Antonius also discussed rational appeals, ethical appeals, and
emotional appeals. In book3, Antonius talked about rhetoric styles,
correctness, and appropriateness.
One thing I find interesting in this
reading is the prevalence of jealousy (p.333-334). It is said in the reading
that jealousy came by vice and wrongdoing, arrogance and disdain (p.334). I
agree with this idea because if you are jealous of other people, it is likely
you are a very biased person, because you think you deserve good prosperity
without putting any efforts or hard works. This actually reminded me of one of my
friends. She was incredibly jealous of other people so she blamed on others for
her misfortune. She thinks that she deserves other people’s compassion because
she doesn’t get to have what everybody has. I believe that she holds some very
biased opinions because just because you don’t get what everybody has doesn’t
make everybody the one to blame. So I think it is a big key to learn how to
control your emotion in rhetoric. It is unlikely you will make a just argument
when you are compelled by jealousy as well as other strong emotions.
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