修辞学第1-3章2009课件.ppt

English Rhetoric “I came, I saw, I conquered.?” --Julius Caesar Make an analysis on the above remark in the light of rhetoric. 1.1 Rhetoric and oratory Derivation of the word “rhetoric” rhētorikē rhētor-ikē As a verb: to speak well in public; As a noun: a public speaker, an eloquent speaker Oratory: the foundation of rhetoric; Their common purpose: to impress, to convince, and to move the audience 1.2 Connotation rhetoric has taken on a positive, as well as a negative, meaning. Positive: a commendable skill with words, “Your article needs rhetoric.” “言之无文，行而不远。” Shakespeare, Li Bai The Declaration of Independence 1.2 Connotation Negative: a fraudulent practice to appeal to audience’s emotions or prejudice “Oh, that’s all rhetoric!” 子曰：“巧言令色，鲜矣仁。”《论语·阳货篇》 花言巧语，天花乱坠 Nature of rhetoric: Rhetoric is generally understood as an art. It is more about the Hows than about the Whats. As it is an art, deceitful people use it to deceive, ethical people use it to make truth and justice prevail. 1.4 Five assumptions 1. humane study and pragmatic art 2. culturally determined, relating to more than one branch of knowledge 3. use language to induce co-operation 4. not all verbal communication aims to create an effect 5. choices for both the speaker and the audience Chapter 2 Brief History of Western Rhetoric 1. Classical rhetoric 2. Rhetoric in the Middle Ages 3. Rhetoric in the Renaissance 4. New Classical rhetoric 5. Contemporary rhetoric 2.1 Classical rhetoric (5th c. BC—A.D. 5th c.) 2.1.1 Ancient Greece and ancient Greek democracy Ancient Greece: one of the greatest contributors to present-day civilization—democracy, philosophy, biology, mathematics, physics, and the theatre 2.1.1 Ancient Greece and Ancient Greek Democracy Athenians: believe in freedom, individuality, strive for excellence Athens, Sparta: two well known city-states In a city-state, all citizens were involved in politics, justice, military service, religious ceremonies, intellectual discussi