Single Idea 114

[catalogued under 19. Language / F. Communication / 1. Rhetoric]

Full Idea

Rhetoric is an agent of the kind of persuasion which is designed to produce conviction, but not to educate people about right and wrong.

Gist of Idea

Rhetoric can produce conviction, but not educate people about right and wrong

Source

Plato (Gorgias [c.378 BCE], 455a)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Gorgias', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP World's Classics 1994], p.17


A Reaction

Surely there must be good rhetoric (or at least it is an open question)?