Words to know

Question 1

Rhetoric/Oratory

Answer 1

The art of persuasion; practical application of the theoretical discipline of philosophy

Question 2

Technê

Answer 2

An art or craft; can be learned and taught (Aristotle considers rhetoric a technê)

Question 3

Enthymeme

Answer 3

• Foundation of rhetoric!
• A syllogism or three-part deductive argument using commonly accepted opinions rather than logic to make arguments.
  Example:
  “Socrates is mortal because he’s human.”
  1. All humans are mortal. (major premise – unstated)
  2. Socrates is human. (minor premise – stated)
  3. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. (conclusion – stated)

Question 4

Aristotle’s Four Causes

Answer 4

1. Material cause: constituent factor; what makes it recognizable (structure, activity, etc.)
2. Formal cause: the function of a thing
3. Efficient cause: that which causes a thing to exist (i.e. the painter causes the painting to exist, so she is it’s efficient cause)
4. Final cause: a thing’s purpose or end

Question 5

Aristotle’s Teleology

Answer 5

Everything has a function and a natural end toward which it is inclined.

Question 6

Prime Matter

Answer 6

That which has no properties

Question 7

Proximate matter

Answer 7

That which has some properties; related to material cause

Question 8

Aristotle vs Plato on Forms

Answer 8

Plato: the form and the material object are separable
Aristotle: the form and the material object are inseparable; we can differentiate the two conceptually but one cannot be thought of without the other

Question 9

Types of Change

Answer 9

Accidental change: superficial change to the substance (material thing)
Substantial change: creation or destruction of the substance (i.e. birth/death)

Question 10

Endoxa

Answer 10

Common sense, reputable belief (i.e. if we both agree that we see something, then we do see it)

Question 11

Knack

Answer 11

Innate/natural ability; experiential and non-scientific

Question 12

Socratic Dialectic

Answer 12

method of cross-examination characterized by informal use (i.e. can begin in the streets, not necessarily the university)

Question 13

Aporetic

Answer 13

problem that is not absolute (i.e. it is difficult to get around, but it can conceivably be done)

Question 14

Virtue Ethics

Answer 14

• Virtue: a habit developed through practice
• Rhetoric is a virtue: you practice it and make it into a habit
• Deals with particulars rather than universals

Question 15

Plato’s view of rhetoric

Answer 15

• Considers it a perversion of the art of truth because it is unscientific and distorts the truth
• Views it as a failure to care for/properly govern your soul

Question 16

Aristotle’s Tripartite Soul

Answer 16

1. Reason: only humans have this; it is rational
2. Animal: the senses
3. Plant: governs basic bodily functions

Question 17

Socratic Intellectualism

Answer 17

No one does wrong willingly, but out of ignorance; to be ethical requires an understanding of what is virtuous

Question 18

Rational Choice

Answer 18

You cannot choose to act against the good because it is irrational. If you act against the good, you are simply ignorant of it.

Question 19

What topics are proper to rhetoric?

Answer 19

• Common things about which most people have at least limited knowledge and some opinion; that which belongs to “no definite science”
• Concerns universals, NOT particulars

Question 20

Aristotelian Intellectualism

Answer 20

The reasoning part of the soul knows the right thing to do, but the appetitive part overrides this knowledge

Question 21

Free Will

Answer 21

Trick question! There is no “free will” in Greek thought, only rational choice. Either you know the right thing to do and you do it, or you’re ignorant of what’s right so you don’t do it.

Question 22

Episteme

Answer 22

Scientific knowing using logical, universal arguments

Question 23

What are the three divisions of rhetoric?

Answer 23

1. Deliberative: persuading or dissuading
2. Judicial: defensive or accusatory
3. Epideictic: demonstrative

Question 24

Dunamis

Answer 24

Capacity or potentiality; includes material things

Question 25

Energeia

Answer 25

Function or actuality; includes forms and God

Question 26

Moral Luck

Answer 26

The ability to be virtuous and happy is dependant upon one’s life circumstances

Question 27

Moral Virtue

Answer 27

habit + mean between two extremes + logos + context

• requires practice, moderation, reason, and the right circumstances
• relative to us, not an absolute

Question 28

Friendship Theory

Answer 28

There must be mutual affection and time spent together

Question 29

What are the three types of friendships?

Answer 29

1. Pleasure: enjoy their company
2. Utility: they are useful to you
3. Friendship of the Good: you see yourself in them

Question 30

Three characteristics of a persuasive orator

Answer 30

1. Practical wisdom: common sense
2. Virtue: habits; must appear virtuous to the audience
3. Good will: intentions

Question 31

Epithets

Answer 31

Metaphor; sharpens your idea