rhetoric- the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but it is often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content
Aristotle (in book I, chapter 3 of his Rhetoric series) explains that there are three types of rhetoric: deliberative, judicial, and ceremonial. Deliberative oratory is used to persuade or dissuade an audience. Judicial argumentation is implemented for accusing or defending a person or group of people. Ceremonial rhetoric is used to praise or blame what is honorable or disgraceful. Each of these branches of persuasive language have a specific and appropriate occasion in which they should be used. All of these particulars culminate, when used properly, in giving the orator the ability to decipher between good and bad, just and unjust, & great and small.
I'd never thought about dividing types of rhetoric into three categories. I found this very informative and something to really think about. Oh, to have time to study rhetoric. I'm so thrilled you are getting to undertake this study.
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