The concept of classical rhetoric is associated with the western structure of teaching writing skills and public speaking. Ancient Greece developed the notion and taught in the Renaissance, Roman, Medieval, and new modern schools. The classical and contemporary rhetoric theory extends from the fifth century close to the nineteenth century. The changing roles of rhetoric have influenced various sectors, including education, politics, and social life (Cherwitz & Johnstone, 2014). Such altercations have led to the formulation of several rhetorical systems and ideas. The rhetoric theory provides interdependence with different structures. For instance, it is associated with the means of communication and aid in elaborating ways to reconstruct reality. Currently, there is the restoration of the dignity of the rhetoric concept back to the times of Aristotle. During these times, rhetoric, philosophy, science, and poetry were interrelated. A significant way of exploring rhetoric is by addressing the role of language as a potent and conceptualizing tool in rhetoric.
Rhetoric was developed by the Greeks in the fifth century and has since been used as a persuasive communication strategy in areas of social life, law courts, education, civil disputes, and public affairs. The earlier prerequisite that set rhetoric in motion was its establishment of democracy in Greece. It required the participation of all citizens in decision-making. The early development stages of rhetoric were initiated through a technical teaching approach that was introduced in the mid to late fifth century. The Sophists, better known as Gorgias, Isocrates, and Protagoras, acted as the teachers of rhetoric. They were non-Athenian Greeks who were not allowed to participate in the politics of Athens directly. Thus, their status as outsiders made them be discredited. There was distrust as they tended to believe that all language use is rhetorical (Cherwitz & Johnstone, 2014). They as well believed that rhetoric is a knowledge building that enables different communities and traditions to have different views of situations.
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Rhetoric comprises of three genres. These elements include forensic rhetoric, deliberative forensic, and epideictic rhetoric (Garver, 2009). Forensic rhetoric targets the audience that is expected to make a decision about legality and justice. This genre resulted from Greek constitutional democracy in which male citizens were required to speak for themselves in defense and prosecutions in the law courts. The goal of this genre was to make them be persuasive and get justice during their trials. The deliberative rhetoric targeted an audience that is required to make decisions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of future action (political decision) (Jarvis, 2018). This genre ensures that consensus is obtained and not just the acceptance of the view of the majority. Lastly, the epideictic rhetoric target audience that is not required to make any decision, but to make a judgment about other people’s characters and deeds. Besides, it can be regarded as a speech of blame or praise that is concerned with what is dishonorable or honorable.
In conclusion, the notion of rhetoric has been crucial in making the world a better place. For instance, the three genres of rhetoric theory (forensic rhetoric, deliberative forensic, and epideictic rhetoric) are vital. They aid in developing the character and lifestyle of the people. Besides, they ensure various sectors in a nation are well managed. For example, deliberative rhetoric can aid the political sector by ensuring that the right leaders are elected. Presidential campaign rhetoric can be said to conform to deliberative rhetoric. Therefore, those vying for Presidential post can deploy the genre to make the right decisions that ensure people are well mange. On the other hand, forensic rhetoric aids in informing people’s decision making while seeking justice. The primary significance of rhetoric is that its ability to influence ethical decision making.
References
Cherwitz, R. A., & Johnstone Jr, H. W. (2014). Rhetoric and philosophy . Routledge.
Garver, E. (2009). Aristotle on the Kinds of Rhetoric. Rhetorica: A Journal of the History of Rhetoric, 27 (1), 1-18.
Jarvis, D. (2018). The Ideological Rhetoric of the Trump Platform and Edmund Burke’s Theory of a Generational Compact. In Trump and Political Philosophy (pp. 193-213). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
