Since thinking and the word are a privilege of a person, the greatest interest is given to studying the relationship between them. This task is performed by rhetoric. The laws of rhetoric are the practice of great masters. This is a smart analysis of the ways in which genius writers succeeded. The basic principles and how the law of general rhetoric is called can be found in this article.
Definition
Rhetoric is the art of speaking correctly. This is a very serious science, designed to educate people, manage passion, correct morals, support laws, guide public discussions. The basic law of rhetoric is to make others accept a thought, feeling, decision. Capture the mind, heart and will.
Origin
Rhetoric is based on the study of the human spirit and the masterpieces of eloquence. Admiration for the powerful effect created by the oratorical genius leads a person to search by what means he was able to achieve. In ancient times, the Greeks highly appreciated public participation in political life. Therefore, rhetoric has become an essential tool for influencing politics. According to sophists such as Gorgias, a successful speaker could speak convincingly on any topic, regardless of his experience in this field.
History of creation
Rhetoric originates in Mesopotamia. Her earliest examples can be found in the writings of the priestess and princess Enheduanna (about 2280-2240 BC). Later - in the scrolls of the Neo-Assyrian state at the time of Sennacherib (700-680 BC. E.).
In ancient Egypt, the art of persuasion appeared during the Middle Kingdom. The Egyptians highly valued eloquence. This skill was very important in their public life. The Egyptian laws of rhetoric state: knowing when to be silent is respected and necessary. This approach is a balance between eloquence and wise silence.
In ancient China, rhetoric goes back to Confucius. His tradition emphasized the use of beautiful turns of speech.
In ancient Greece, the use of oratory in Homer's Iliad was first mentioned. His Achilles, Odysseus and Hector were honored for their inherent ability to give advice and exhort their peers and associates in wise and appropriate actions.
Application area
Scientists from ancient times discussed the scope of rhetoric. Some limit it to a specific area of political discourse, while others cover all aspects of culture. Modern studies of the laws of general rhetoric affect a much wider range of areas than in antiquity. At that time, speakers learned effective persuasion in public forums and institutions, such as courtrooms and assembly halls. The laws of modern rhetoric apply to human discourse. He is studied in a wide range of fields, including social and natural sciences, religion, visual arts, journalism, fiction, digital media, history, architecture and cartography, along with more traditional legal and political fields.
Civil art
Rhetoric was regarded as a civil art by some ancient philosophers. Aristotle and Isocrates were the first to see her in this world. They argued that the laws of speech and the rules of rhetoric are a fundamental part of the social life of every state. This science is able to shape the character of man. Aristotle was convinced that the art of persuasion could be used in public places in three different ways:
- Political.
- Judicial.
- Ceremonial.
Rhetoric is a public art capable of forming an opinion. Some ancients, including Plato, found fault with her. They argued that it could be used to deceive or manipulate the negative consequences for civil society. The masses were unable to analyze or solve anything on their own, so they could be shaken by the most convincing speeches. Civic life could be controlled by those figures who knew how to make the best speech. This concern remains to this day.
Early school
Over the centuries, the study and teaching of the laws and rules of rhetoric has adapted to the specific requirements of time and place. It corresponded to many uses: from architecture to literature. The training arose at the school of philosophers known as sophists around 600 BC. e. Demosthenes and Lysias became the main speakers during this period, and Isocrates and Gorgia became outstanding teachers. Rhetorical education is built on the four laws of rhetoric:
- invention (inventio);
- memory (memoria);
- style (elocutio);
- action (actio).
Modern doctrine continues to refer to these laws in discussions of the classical art of persuasion.
School of the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, the laws of rhetoric were taught at universities as one of the three original liberal subjects, along with logic and grammar. With the rise of European monarchs in the following centuries, it switched to court and religious applications. Augustine had a strong influence on Christian rhetoric at this time, advocating its use in the church.
After the fall of the Roman Republic, poetry became an instrument of rhetorical preparation. The letter was considered the main form by which state and church affairs were conducted. The study of verbal art went into decline for several centuries. This was followed by a gradual increase in formal education, culminating in the rise of medieval universities. The rhetorical writings of the late Middle Ages include the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas and Matthew of Vendome.
Late school
In the sixteenth century, education in the field of rhetoric was more restrained. Influential scholars such as Ramus were convinced that the process of invention and organization should be elevated to the field of philosophy.
In the eighteenth century, the art of persuasion began to play a more serious role in social life. This led to the emergence of a new education system. Schools of oratory began to arise. In them, women analyzed the works of classical literature and discussed pronunciation tactics.
With the rise of democratic institutions in the late XVIII - early XIX centuries. the study of the subject has experienced a revival. The Scottish writer and theorist Hugh Blair has become a true supporter and leader of the new movement. In his work "Lectures on rhetoric and fiction" he promotes the ability to convince the quality of a resource of social success.
Throughout the twentieth century, this science has developed as a concentrated field of study with the creation of rhetoric courses in many educational institutions.
The laws
The four laws of rhetoric discovered by Aristotle provide guidance on the emergence of compelling arguments and messages. It:
- process of developing and arranging arguments (invention);
- the choice of how to present your speech (style);
- the process of memorizing words and persuasive messages (memory);
- pronunciation, gestures, pace and tone (delivery).
There is an intellectual discussion in this area. Some argue that Aristotle considers rhetoric the art of persuasion. Others believe that it implies the art of judgment.
One of Aristotle's most famous doctrines was the idea of "common themes." This term most often referred to “places of argumentation” (a list of methods of reasoning and categories of thought) that a speaker could use to generate arguments or evidence. Themes were an inventive tool designed to help classify and better apply commonly used arguments.
Analysis methods
The laws of rhetoric can be analyzed by various methods and theories. One of them is criticism. This is not a scientific method. It implies subjective methods of argumentation. Critics use various means to study a particular rhetorical artifact, and some of them even develop their own unique technique. Modern criticism explores the connection between text and context. Determining the degree of persuasiveness of the text, you can explore its relationship with the audience, purpose, ethics, argumentation, evidence, location, delivery and style.
Another method is analytics. The object of rhetorical analysis is usually discourse. Therefore, it is very similar to discursive analysis. The purpose of rhetorical analysis is not just a description of the statements and arguments put forward by the speaker, but the definition of specific semiotic strategies. After analysts discover the use of the language, they move on to the questions:
- How it works?
- What impact does the audience have?
- How does this effect give more clues regarding the speaker’s goals?
Strategy
A rhetorical strategy is the author’s desire to convince or inform his readers. It is used by writers. There are various argumentation strategies that are used in writing. The most common ones are:
- arguments from analogy;
- arguments from the absurd;
- mental research;
- conclusions for the purpose of a better explanation.
In modern world
At the turn of the 20th century, rhetoric was revived. This was manifested in the creation of the departments of rhetoric and speech at educational institutions. National and international professional organizations are being formed. Twentieth-century studies have suggested an understanding of the laws of rhetoric as the "rich complexity" of oratory. The growth of advertising and the development of the media have brought rhetoric to people's lives.