Aristotlean Rhetorical Analysis

English 102: Introduction to Argumentation

Framework

Purpose PathosAudience LogosStance EthosStasis Kairos

What is rhetoric?

Aristotle described the task of rhetoric as Aristotle described the task of rhetoric as using the available means of persuasion to using the available means of persuasion to influence others and engage in the task of influence others and engage in the task of

guiding the polis.guiding the polis.

The Task of RhetoricPolis: Polis: the Greek word for “city” or “state.” Polis is the root

word on many words we use: police, policy, polity, polite, politics and politic (as in to be politic [conscious of others'

power and their willingness to use or abuse it])

The necessity of speaking to the king in court gave rise to the need to speak concisely and well in order to win his

favor and one's suit that one had brought before him. Not everyone could speak well, thus giving rise to a class of

individuals that we would probably call “lawyers” paid practitioners of the art of convincing others. It became important that those in the polis who aspired to power learn to speak well hence giving birth to rhetoric: the

teachable art of the use of the available means of persuasion.

Framework

The portion of his rhetoric that we want to concentrate on is his basic framework for giving speeches and engaging in the task of deliberative argument.

– Purpose

– Audience

– Stance

– Stasis

Purpose

--Purpose is sometimes made clear by envisioning what changes the author wants to make to a central problem.

–Often, however, if the writer is clever you may have to read nearly to the end of a document before you come up with the central theme of their critique.

--Purpose is nearly always the central driving force to the creator's argument

Audience

Within a text clues to whom the author is aiming his argument become clear through:

The complexity of the argument itself.The complexity of the argument itself.

The style, shape and size of the lexicon chosen to write with.The style, shape and size of the lexicon chosen to write with.

And the complexity of the sentences themselvesAnd the complexity of the sentences themselves

Stance

Stance is indicated by the level of subjectivity and emotion in a text. The greater the subjectivity and the higher the emotion, the more negative

the stance.

Likewise, the greater the objectivity and (sometimes) posed rationality in a text the

greater the positive regard the writer has for their subject.

Stasis

Staying on point is a simple matter of judging whether the author's stated or implied purpose is

adhered to in word and choice of argument. Is each step of the argument necessary and

relevant? Does every fact and to the puzzle of the writer's text and contibute to her conclusion?

If so, then they are in stasis.

Modes of PersuasionModes of Persuasion

The aim of Aristotle's rhetoric was to give a clear path for the speaker/writer from merely conversing or rambling in public or on paper to creating a public space of power and control.

All people recognize pleasing aural actions from the rhythm and melodies of music to the calming and pleasant sounds of nature, why shouldn't we also recognize the pleasance of that variety of speech or text that is moving, graceful, beautiful and reasonable and just as we are captivated by music, be captivated by a fine speech or text?

Aristotle claimed that the ability to captivate others with language was the creation of Kairos His claim also said that Kairos was achievable through proper application of his Framework (PASS) and the Modes of Persuasion:

--Pathos: emotional appeals--Pathos: emotional appeals

--Ethos: appeals to authority--Ethos: appeals to authority

--Logos: appeals to reason--Logos: appeals to reason

Logos

In Presocratic philosophy, the principle governing the cosmos ; Among the

Sophists, the topics of rational argument ; In Stoicism, the active, material, rational

principle of the cosmos; A form of rhetoric A form of rhetoric in which the writer or speaker uses logic as in which the writer or speaker uses logic as

the main argument;the main argument;

Pathos

Pathos: a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow); "the film captured all the pathos of their situation;"

commiseration: a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others;

a style that has the power to evoke feelings.

Pathos is one of the three modes of persuasion in rhetoric (along with ethos and logos). Pathos appeals to the audience's emotions

Ethos

The distinguishing character, beliefs or moral nature of a person, group, or institution.

When a writer tries to persuade the audience to respect and believe him or her based on a presentation of image of self through the text. Reputation is sometimes a factor in

ethical appeals, but in all causes the aim is to gain the audience's confidence.

The Kairotic Moment

Kairos (καιρός) is an ancient Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment.

A time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action; the opportune and decisive moment

Fullness of time; the propitious moment for the performance of an action or the coming into being of a new state.

The moment in a text when all the textual elements come to a crescendo producing unity between writer/speaker and audience.

Conclusion

We will continue to discuss and inform ourselves of the actions and activities of rhetoric and how they will help us in our

evaluation of texts.