Foss's definition of Rhetoric would be the use of symbols that are very important at conveying message or communicating. Symbols have been around since the era when living creatures were first born on earth. For example, Ancient Egyptians sculpted lots of majestic Pharaoh's statues. They did this to symbolize the majestic power of the Pharaoh, as their trusted king. Another example, would be how early humans could survive through just by using tools to hunt animals. And it is obvious that the tools for hunting animals developed and got more and more advanced over time, and this symbolizes that humans knowledge can grow, and enable them to advance and be prosperous using their brain and tools as the media. All the symbols just mentioned were critical interpretations of Foss's argument because besides those existing as symbols, they also represent other meanings, messages, or understandings behind them. In my opinion, Rhetoric is globally understood as a means of persuasion using language. This part is interesting because we all know that language is accumulation symbols that have been regarded as understandable by many people (or at least people who are speaking the same language, for instance English).
Basically, when someone is using rhetoric, he or she would attempt to persuade the audience using their flowery or straightforward approach by using symbols (i.e. language) in order for them to accept or get their ideas.
Google's Definition:
- The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively
"Rhetoric". Answers.com. http://www.answers.com/topic/rhetoric
- Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion
Aristotle's Rhetoric. American Rhetoric - Selected Moments. http://www.americanrhetoric.com/aristotleonrhetoric.htm
1 comment:
Tommy, you bring up something very interesting. I want to know if you think tools are symbols.
Next time, make sure you in-text and works cite the Foss article.
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