Chapter 8 of Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students was an interesting breakdown of what extrinsic proofs are, and how they are helpful when developing a strong, rhetorical argument. This segment of the textbook discusses how empirical information, such as facts, data, artifacts, and testimony are all helpful when developing an argument, yet must be truly analyzed carefully in order to make a valid argument. The editors of this book state that these parts within an argument must be both accurate and trustworthy, and that without those two aspects, an argument will not be as strong or as relevant.
I thought this section was very important, because it gave insight as to how a rhetor can develop a stronger argument by appealing to the right authoritative figures as well as factual information to back up their own arguments. In this chapter, community authorities and proximate authorities were addressed. Community authorities seem far more important than proximate authorities, because they must gain a high level and trust and respect within the community that they are speaking out to. Proximate authorities, on the other hand, merely observe disputed states of affairs, but don't necessarily speak out to an audience or an entire community in the ways in which community authorities do. Although there was a lot of background information provided on extrinsic proofs, it is mostly important to realize that these argumentative aspects help to overall strengthen any given argument, because there is a huge credibility to one's ethos. By doing this, a person is able to provide relevant information and arguments on a given subject, as well as detach themselves emotionally and ideologically from issues.
While factual evidence from authoritative figures is important to provide within an argument, Crowley and Hawhee suggest that a rhetor shouldn't accept facts at face value, and when using factual evidence, the networks of interpretation are incredibly important to consider to making a valid argument.
The two assigned reading sections within The Rhetorical Tradition were also interesting, however, I am curious to learn more as to how Margaret Fell obtained such high educational and rhetorical status, even during the humanism period of the Renaissance. I thought this section was empowering, because it discussed how women, although still subordinate to men in society during this time period, were able to make more strides individually through the power of education. This educational process overall helped women to gain more social recognition, in that they were more educationally stimulated and empowered.
The segment on Thomas Wilson was interesting, because he seems to be one of the only Renaissance writers so far that did not seem to stray so far from Classical Rhetoric, as he studied the humanist curriculum of Erasmus. This portion seemed to focus more on the invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery, as well as the dialectic and logic of the Classical time period.
This class period was important, in that it analyzed the shift in both religious and cultural thinking during the time of the Renaissance. Although women were still not extended the right to formal and public education, learning about Margaret Fell, and the impact that she had on both the development of rhetoric and the Quaker faith were truly inspiring and interesting. I thought it was helpful for us to discuss intrinsic and extrinsic proofs, and apply these theories to the writings of Renaissance writers, such as Margaret Fell. I also liked discussing communities, although I felt as if the definitions and explanations were vague, and I am still interested in learning more about different levels of authority within a community setting.
ReplyDeleteYour post really touched on utilizing empirical evidence to its full extent in order to strengthen an argument. I definitely had similar feelings in regards to the objectivity of authorities that, if Aristotle had his way, would be stricken and ignored entirely. This involves dehumanization on the part of the individual, and I think that is far more difficult to accomplish than Aristotle surmised. Further, you made interested points about the readings in the Rhetorical Tradition. Maragret Fell was certainly a woman of strong character to garner such acclaim as a female rhetorician during the Renaissance.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Katie and Hannah's posts. Although in the Renaissance period women weren't advancing that far, it was very interesting to see the huge role that Margaret Fell played in the Quaker and rhetorical traditions. It was during this time, and Fell herself agreed, that education needed to thrive, for both women, and men. It was important to have a true sense of the rhetorical tradition and it's connection to religion.
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