Rhetoric has a long history since the fifth century B.C. This is one part of Arts which is about understanding of using symbols in our lives.
Humans are the only animals who create substantial symbols and use those in the real life. Our reality is through the symbols, and we share meanings of the term. Although other animals are able to cognize symbols, they will not be able to use those in their real lives. Using substantial symbols for ordinary communication distinguishes between human and other animals.
We use various kinds of symbols which represent something else. For instance, we use a term "lemon" refer to "sour fruit." This representation comes from unchangeable fact that lemon is sour. In this case, lemon will be always referred as sour unless scientists modify lemon to sweet or spicy in the future. However, there is a symbol which could have been referring to different meaning. For example, we use a term "Cougars" refer to "Washington State University." This is because cougars have known as WSU's school mascot for long time, and not only WSU students, but also other local residents know this fact. What if "Alligators" has been WSU's school mascot? If so, "Cougar" has not represented WSU, but "Alligators." This is not unchangeable fact; someone invented what the symbol stands for.
To me, rhetoric is more like common sense among those who share some experiences, thoughts, cultures, and so on. Those who understand what symbols stand for which could be different depend on one's background.
a. The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively.
The free dictionary. 17 Jun 2008 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/rhetoric.
Rhetoric is the study of misunderstandings and their remedies.
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/english/courses/sites/lunsford/pages/defs.htm
1 comment:
Great work! But you have got to include an end citation of Foss et al. to receive full credit next time.
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