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Definition of Rhetoric


Aristotle states that “rhetoric” is the perceived features of language and style. Aristotle's focus here is on combined elements of psychology, logic and ethics. It is all how people understand one another. How others put people’s words into meanings. How people perceive something to be. Aristotle stresses that rhetoric is an art closely related to dialectic. Not everyone is convinced. But if complete control over the art and the method used is maintained and nothing is neglected the speaker may convince some but not all. (Rhetoric I. 1, 1354a, 1354b, 1355a, 1355b)

Rhetoric is useful in many ways. It advances the cause of justice in truth. It is used to persuade the masses and argues both sides of an issue. Rhetoric is also used to defend oneself against verbal attacks. (Rhetoric 1. 1, 1355a, 1355b)