The first two seers of Greek myth, Chalcas & Tiresias

Here I will review a few basic concepts and terms of logic that we will use in the following episodes. I want to clarify statements and propositions, and the difference between valid and sound arguments.

Bitzer's Rhetorical Situation involves three ideas: exigence, audience, and constraints. In this episode, I discuss the importance of constraints. Constraints are an essential element of a persuasive appeal. They can make or break a rhetorical audience.

Two elements that create a rhetorical situation are exigence and audience. What is a rhetorical exigence & rhetorical audience?

In 1968 Bitzer offers a revolutionary way of thinking about rhetoric. He points out that we use rhetoric much more often than we might expect, and that Aristotle's three modes of appeal fall short in understanding the rhetorical needs. Bitzer's theory is a Copernican revolution in rhetorcial theory.

Booth's Rhetorical Stance develops Aristotle's rhetorical Triangle idea by stressing the importance of a flexible balance between the modes of appeal. If any mode of appeal is pushed too far and given too much weight, we have a corruption of communication.

Here is a quick summary and review of the Modes of Appeal. These modes are the basic tools we use for persuasion.

What is rhetoric? Aristotle provides us with a basic framework for approaching the art of persuasion. Let's have a quick look at his rhetorical triangle and how it might be applied to a job interview.

A quick look at the rational mysticism of Plotinus

A quick look at Epicureanism and the poetry of Lucretius.

Stoicism was one of the most influential schools of philosophy in Rome.

Plato now explores two important themes. First, we see the role of Ideas or Forms taking shape. The answer to ethical relativism will require some metaphysical work. Second, we see a Platonic notion of the psyche or soul take shape.

Plato's Phaedo is one of his most famous dialogues. It features Socrates in his prison cell on his day of execution. I will mention some of the important friends who were visiting Socrates that day, and I will explore some of the issues raised. Part two will look at how the theory of Forms is developed.

Socrates meets Euthyphro by the archon office, the archon in charge of the courts. Socrates is facing charges of impiety and Euthyphro is charging his father with impiety. Socrates suggests that Euthyphro must know what piety is if he is going to bring such serious charges against his father. In a good aporetic fashion, Socrates will reveal that Euthyphro does not know what he thinks he knows. This dialogue also demonstrates important points of logic.