“The duty of rhetoric is to deal with such matters as we deliberate upon without arts or systems to guide us, in the hearing of persons who cannot take in at a glance a complicated argument or follow a long chain of reasoning.”
- 384 BC – 322 BC
- Originating from Macedonia in ancient Greece
- Philosopher and scientist, founder of the Lyceum academy
- A student of Plato, he constructed systematic knowledge in logic, biology, politics, ethics, etc., and had a major impact on the development of Western thought and science
Quote
“The duty of rhetoric is to deal with such matters as we deliberate upon without arts or systems to guide us, in the hearing of persons who cannot take in at a glance a complicated argument or follow a long chain of reasoning.”
Explanation
In this quote, Aristotle defines the role of rhetoric as the art of persuasion in situations where reasoned deliberation or formal systems of logic are difficult to apply. Rhetoric is needed when discussing topics or issues that don’t have clear technical systems or predefined rules to guide the discussion. It is especially useful in communicating with audiences who may not be able to immediately grasp complex or detailed arguments. Rhetoric, therefore, serves to present ideas in a way that is more accessible, engaging, and convincing to those who may not have the capacity or patience to follow intricate reasoning or long, abstract discussions.
This idea is still very relevant today in public speaking, political discourse, and advertising. In many situations, complex issues or debates need to be communicated effectively to a general audience who may not have the expertise or interest to engage deeply with the subject matter. Rhetoric provides the tools to simplify, clarify, and persuade an audience through the use of emotion, structure, and appeals that resonate with their values and understanding.
For example, a politician discussing a complex issue like healthcare reform would use rhetoric to break down the key points into more easily digestible arguments, often focusing on personal stories or simple, relatable explanations rather than a detailed, technical policy analysis. Similarly, advertisements often employ rhetorical techniques to quickly convince consumers of a product’s value without overwhelming them with complex technical data. Aristotle’s quote reminds us of the need for effective communication in situations where deep analysis is impractical and the audience requires a simpler, more persuasive approach.
