Rhetoric and Its Functions

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Questions and Answers

How does George Kennedy define rhetoric?

Rhetoric is the energy inherent in emotion and thought, transmitted through language. (correct)

Rhetoric is a tool for creating entertainment and enjoyment.

Rhetoric is primarily concerned with the ethical actions of a speaker.

Rhetoric is the art of winning the soul by discourse.

Which characteristic of rhetorical discourse emphasizes its interaction with an audience?

It is planned.

It is adapted to an audience. (correct)

It is responsive to a situation.

It reveals human motives.

What is one of the social functions of the art of rhetoric?

It provides entertainment.

It strictly assigns blame.

It shapes knowledge. (correct)

It replaces logical reasoning.

According to Quintillian, how is rhetoric ethically characterized?

Rhetoric as a good citizen speaking well. Signup and view all the answers

How does classical rhetoric differ from modern rhetoric?

Classical rhetoric views individuals as rational animals, while modern rhetoric views them as communal animals. Signup and view all the answers

How do logical proofs and psychological proofs primarily differ in their approach to the speaker-audience relationship?

Logical proofs are manipulative while psychological proofs are cooperative. Signup and view all the answers

According to Lasswell's model, which component focuses on the effect of communication?

Effect analysis Signup and view all the answers

In Bitzer's rhetorical situation, what is meant by 'rhetorical exigence'?

The urgency prompting the discourse. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of Lloyd Bitzer's rhetorical situation?

Rhetorical context Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a similarity between classical and modern rhetoric?

Both promote the idea that knowledge is created through discourse. Signup and view all the answers

What do the weeds represent in the parable told by Jesus?

Evil influences that coexist with good Signup and view all the answers

In Matthew 9:10-13, why did the Pharisees question Jesus' choice of companions?

They felt He was too lenient with the sinners Signup and view all the answers

Which argument from St. Thomas Aquinas aims to prove God's existence through observing motion?

Argument from motion Signup and view all the answers

What does Jesus mean by 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice' in His conversation with the Pharisees?

Love and compassion are more important than rituals Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of the parable of the weeds regarding the timing of removing the weeds?

Patience is required until the harvest time Signup and view all the answers

What role do the faculties of common sense and imagination serve according to St. Thomas Aquinas?

They help organize and interpret sensory information Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of passionate hatred relate to the notion of love according to Aquinas?

Love must precede hatred and influence its intensity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of exegesis in relation to contemporary Filipino society?

To draw connections between biblical texts and current social issues Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn from the statement 'tis certain he was not ambitious'?

He was not interested in ruling. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the unstated premise in the argument?

Ambition is linked to a desire for the crown. Signup and view all the answers

Which element of rhetoric includes the distribution of arguments in a proper order?

Dispositio Signup and view all the answers

What does Cicero's concept of 'Exordium' focus on within his theory?

The introduction of a speech. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the drug war statistics, which rhetorical element is likely being compared?

The duration of violence across eras. Signup and view all the answers

What best characterizes the style of rhetoric intended to instruct the audience?

Plain style (Humile) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of Cicero's theory involves the evidence and proof supporting arguments?

Confirmatio Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about philosopher-rhetoricians based on their role in politics?

They serve as activists for political change. Signup and view all the answers

What does true rhetoric culminate in, according to the text?

A silent understanding of reality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'Signa Propria'?

Genealogy of Jesus Signup and view all the answers

According to St. Augustine's teachings, which is considered primary in rhetoric?

Truth Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using conventional signs in communication, as discussed in the content?

To convey established meanings Signup and view all the answers

What was viewed as secondary to teaching and persuading the audience of divine truths?

Pleasing the audience Signup and view all the answers

In the context of signs, what distinguishes 'Signa Translata' from 'Signa Propria'?

It includes broader interpretative meanings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used by St. Augustine to describe the means of expression in rhetoric?

Modus Proferendi Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the roles of rhetoric as per St. Augustine's doctrine?

Rhetoric must always prioritize teaching divine truths. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Rhetoric

Plato viewed rhetoric as a tool to persuade the soul through discourse.
George Kennedy defined rhetoric as the transmission of emotional energy through signs, including language, to influence others.
Quintillian believed rhetoric is the art of good citizens speaking well.

Characteristics of Rhetorical Discourse

Planned communication.
Adapted to a specific audience.
Reveals human motivations.
Responsive to a situation, fostering dialogue and engaging in conversation.
Persuasion-seeking, employing appeals, strategic arrangement, and aesthetic elements.

Tests Ideas: Examines perspectives through discourse.
Discovers Facts: Uncovers hidden realities through communication.
Assists Advocacy: Supports causes and arguments through persuasive language.
Shapes Knowledge: Constructs understanding and meaning through shared language.
Distributes Power: Influences and shapes power dynamics through rhetoric.
Builds Community: Facilitates connection and solidarity through shared rhetoric.

Classical Rhetoric vs Modern Rhetoric

Classical: Focused on logic, persuasion, and individual rationality within a world of stable values.
Modern: Emphasizes communication, psychological proofs, and community within a complex and changing world.

Key Similarities

Both recognize humans as language-using creatures who integrate reason and emotion in communication.
Both provide methods for rhetor and audience co-creation of knowledge through shared understandings.
Both blend theory and practice in the communicative arts.

Research in Rhetoric

Lasswell's Model of Communication: Focuses on five key elements: Who, Says What, In Which Channel, To Whom, and With What Effect.
Lloyd Bitzer's Rhetorical Situation: Defines the rhetorical situation by three elements: Rhetorical Exigence, Rhetorical Audience, and Rhetorical Constraints.

Aristotle's Topics

Definition: Explaining the meaning of a term.
Division: Breaking down a topic into its parts.
Circumstance: Considering the context surrounding an issue.
Comparison: Comparing and contrasting related concepts.
Consequence: Examining the potential outcomes of an action.
Testimony: Citing sources and expert opinions.

Rhetoric in Ancient Rome

As a System of Education: Integrated Greek-based rhetoric to achieve political success.
Rhetoricians as Political Activists: Used rhetoric to advocate for political causes and engage in philosophical debate.

Cicero's De Inventione

Inventio: Discovering valid arguments.
- The Stasis System: Identifying four types of issues: fact, definition, quality, and procedure.
- The Topical Systems: Classifying arguments based on attributes of a person or an action.
Dispositio: Organizing arguments in a logical sequence.
- Exordium: Introduction.
- Narratio: Statement of facts.
- Partitio: Division of the argument.
- Confirmatio: Supporting evidence.
- Refutatio: Addressing counterarguments.
- Peroratio: Conclusion.
Elocutio: Selecting appropriate language for the argument.
- Grand Style (Supra): Elevated language to move the audience.
- Middle Style (Mediocre): Moderate language to please the audience.
- Plain Style (Humile): Simple language to teach the audience.
Pronuntiatio: Delivering the speech with appropriate voice and body language.
Memoriae: Memorizing and retaining the argument and speech.

Cicero's De Inventione: The Roman Theory of Exordium

Principium (Direct): Introductions that directly engage the audience.
- Honestum (Honorable): Appealing to the audience's sense of right and wrong.
- Obscurum (Mysterious): Introducing a puzzling or controversial issue.
- Anceps (Ambiguous): Presenting a situation with two possible interpretations.
Insinuatio (Indirect): Introductions that subtly draw the audience in.
- Admirabile (Wonderful): Presenting something surprising or remarkable.
- E. - Antithesis: Using contrasting ideas to create impact.

St. Augustine's De Doctrina Christiana

Book 1: Explores signs as representations of reality.
Book 2: Examines the nature of words as conventional signs.
Book 3: Discusses the challenges of ambiguity in language.
Book 4: Applies eloquence to Christian rhetoric.
- Modus Inveniendi: Methods for discovering arguments.
- Modus Proferendi: Methods for expressing arguments.
Two Primary Goals: To understand the truth (res) and express it effectively (verba).
Primacy of Truth: Truth holds precedence over rhetoric.

The Duties of the Church and the Appropriate Style for Each

Instruction precedes persuasion.
Teaching and persuading are prioritized over pleasing the audience.
True rhetoric ultimately leads to silence and direct connection with reality.

Natural Signs versus Conventional Signs

Signs are discovered and used but cannot be invented.

St. Augustine's De Doctrina Christiana: The Two Classifications of Exegesis

Signa Propria: Signs that have intrinsic meaning.
- Genealogy of Jesus.
- Emmanuel (God with us).
- Golgotha (Place of skulls).
Signa Translata: Signs that derive their meaning from analogy or interpretation.
- Trinitarian Exemplarism: Holy Trinity, Crucifixion, Good Samaritan.
- Meaning of Numbers: 40 days/nights fasting, forgive 70 times 7.
- Figurative Language: parables (mustard seed, the lost coin).

Bishop Socrates Villegas on the Parable of the Weeds

The Parable of the Weeds: A story about the coexistence of good and evil, and the need for patience and discernment.

Exegesis and Contemporary PH Society

Relevance to Filipino Youth: The parable addresses the challenges of discerning good from evil in a complex and often confusing world, relevant to youth struggling with moral choices.
Issues Confronting Filipino Youth: Moral challenges, societal inequalities, and difficult decisions.
Exegesis for Contemporary Filipino Youth: Emphasizing the need for discernment and critical thinking.

St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica

Five Ways to Prove the Existence of God: Aquinas' five arguments for the existence of God:
- Argument from Motion.
- Argument from Causation.
- Argument from Contingency.
- Argument from Perfection.
- Argument from Design.
Can a Believer Be a Philosopher: Aquinas explored the compatibility of faith and reason.
- Order of Determination: The order in which knowledge is acquired.
- Order of Demonstration: The order in which knowledge is presented logically.
The Two Sources of Knowledge: The senses and the intellect.
The Two Faculties: The faculty of common sense and the faculty of imagination.
Two Additional Powers: The estimative power (judgments) and memorative power (memory).
Four Entailments of Passionate Hatred: Aquinas' analysis of hatred as an emotion.
- Hatred is natural and not inherently evil.
- Hatred is distinct from anger.
- Love precedes and causes hatred.
- Hatred cannot be stronger than its cause (love).

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Description

Explore the intricate art of rhetoric through definitions by notable scholars like Plato, George Kennedy, and Quintillian. This quiz delves into the characteristics of rhetorical discourse and its vital social functions in communication, persuasion, and advocacy. Test your understanding of how rhetoric shapes knowledge and influences society.