Classical vs. Modern Rhetoric

Module 3: Classical vs. Modern Rhetoric

• Students will review classical rhetoric from previous modules.
• Students will comprehend the concept of modern rhetoric.
• Students will recognize the differences between classical and modern rhetoric.
• Students will draw conclusions from presented module arguments.

Introduction

• The emergence of modern rhetoric is characterized by attempts to recover classical concepts.
• A key aspect is distinguishing between classic (old) and modern rhetoric (new).
• Focusing on these distinctions leads to oversimplifications and distortions.
• The focus is important for accurately distinguishing but also to acknowledge significant similarities.
• Similarities help in understanding essential features of any dynamic theory of rhetoric.

Major Distinctions

• Classical Rhetoric:
  • Man is a rational social being, emphasizing logical proofs.
  • Rhetor-audience relationship is antagonistic and one-way (manipulative).
  • The goal is persuasion.
• Modern Rhetoric:
  • Man is a symbol-using being, emphasizing emotional proofs.
  • Rhetor-audience relationship is cooperative and two-way (empathic).
  • The goal is communication.

Similarities and Qualifying Distinctions

• Both classical and modern rhetorical approaches view humans as language users combining reason and emotion.
• Classical rhetoric was focused on oral communication, while modern rhetoric reflects a written communication era.

Further Distinctions and Conclusions

• Rhetoric in both periods provides a framework for knowledge access by rhetor and audience.
• Classical rhetoric, according to Aristotle, creates a relationship between knower and the known.
• Modern rhetoric lacks a clearly defined theory that connects the knower to the known.
• Rhetoric is relevant and valuable in various areas of knowledge. Aristotle's model clearly connects rhetoric to the broad scope of knowledge.
• Contemporary rhetoric theories are not as systematically linked to a range of related fields.
• Distinctions should not focus on man, proof, speaker-audience relationships, or the goals of rhetoric.
• Aristotle's focus on the nature of knowledge, which encompasses necessary and conditional knowledge, influenced the development of rhetorical theory.
• Rhetoric played an essential role in Greek and Roman education and daily life.
• Aristotelian work creates links among beliefs, language and action.

Explore the differences between classical and modern rhetoric. Review classical rhetoric concepts and comprehend modern rhetoric. Recognize distinctions and draw conclusions from module arguments, understanding both differences and underlaying similarities.