Introduction: The Nature of Rhetoric

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the nature of rhetoric, its history, and important figures in classical rhetoric.

Rhetoric

The art of persuasive speaking or writing, derived from Greek roots, especially significant in civic contexts.

Sophists

Itinerant teachers in ancient Greece who specialized in rhetoric, emphasizing practical success in civic life.

Judicial Rhetoric

A form of rhetoric focused on judgment of past events, typically used in legal contexts.

Deliberative Rhetoric

A type of rhetoric concerned with future actions and decisions, often used in political debates.

Epideictic Rhetoric

Rhetoric that aims to praise or blame, often occurring in ceremonial contexts.

Invention

The process of developing arguments or identifying the main subject matter when preparing a speech.

Arrangement

The organization of a speech into various parts, determining the order of arguments and evidence presented.

Style

The specific word choices and sentence structures used in communication to enhance persuasion.

Ethos

The credibility or ethical appeal of the speaker, influencing the audience's perception of trustworthiness.

Pathos

Emotional appeal used in rhetoric to persuade by evoking feelings in the audience.

Logos

Logical appeal based on reasoning and evidence to convince the audience.

Metarhetoric

The theory or study of rhetoric as distinct from its practical applications in specific instances.

Delivery

The final part of classical rhetoric focusing on how a speech is physically presented to an audience.

Memory

The method of memorizing speeches in rhetoric, traditionally using mnemonic devices.

Tropes

Figures of speech that use language in a non-literal way, essential in rhetorical style.

Figures of Speech

Rhetorical devices that play with the arrangement or combination of words to convey meaning in impactful ways.