Rhetoric

The Rhetoric was developed by Aristotle during two periods when he was seconded to Plato in the Academy, and when he was running his own school, the Lyceum. Aristotle is generally credited with developing the basics of the system of rhetoric that influenced the development of rhetorical theory from ancient through modern times. One of the most important contributions of Aristotle's approach was that he identified rhetoric as one of the three key elements along with logic and dialectic of philosophy. According to Aristotle, logic is concerned with reasoning to reach scientific certainty. Dialectic is a tool for philosophical debate; it is a means for skilled audiences to test probable knowledge in order to learn. Rhetoric is a tool for practical debate; it is a means for persuading a general audience using probable knowledge to resolve practical issues. Dialectic and rhetoric create a partnership for a system of persuasion based on knowledge instead of upon manipulation and omission.