The Rhetoric of Aristotle - Essay Example

This theory is applied to a debate with my parents. I presented a speech to them, where I argued that because I have obediently followed their requests and decisions for the past year, I deserve to be permitted to go to one of my dream vacations, which is going to Hawaii for one week next summer. Aristotle’s Rhetoric Theory will demonstrate if I have used effective rhetoric in convincing my parents regarding my vacation plans, which they will mostly fund. Aristotle differentiates artistic from inartistic proofs and explains the components of the former.

Inartistic proofs are external proofs that the speaker cannot make. Artistic proofs are evidence that speakers can make, specifically, logical (logos), ethical (ethos), and emotional (pathos) proofs. Logos refers to logical proof, or evidence that is found in the lines of argument. Aristotle stresses that there are two kinds of logos- the enthymeme and the example. The enthymeme is the strongest of all proofs, wherein it is an incomplete version of formal deductive syllogism. The enthymeme excludes the premise that most people already know and accept.

In my claim for my Hawaii vacation, my mother is the most adamantly against it because she thinks that I am too young to go to such as far place with my friends and because she does not think that good deeds must be paid with material things. My father is against my plans because of the same lines of arguments, but mostly because of safety and expenses involved. In my argument, my general premise is: “Good deeds must be rewarded for positive reinforcement.” My specific premise is: “I have done good deeds as a child of my parents.

” My conclusion is: “As a child who has done good deeds, I must be justly rewarded with a Hawaii trip.” The enthymeme in my case is that good deeds must be rewarded for positive reinforcement. Although my parents and I generally agree that good deeds deserve to be rewarded for positive reinforcement, we have differences on what rewards mean. Nevertheless, I emphasized the enthymeme by providing examples of my good deeds: 1) Following their decisions even when they do not seem to make any sense any more to me and 2) Doing my best to focus on school and have good grades.

In addition, I explained the whole budget involved, from tickets, to food, to souvenirs. I added that I have my meager savings that I will use for my trip. These are not exactly part of the enthymeme, but more of examples that prove that I am rational and independent enough to plan long trips away from home. Apart from logos, Aristotle talks about ethos, which I believe I have. I tried to establish my ethos through developing high source credibility. Ethos refers to the ability of the speaker to exude high credibility to his/her audience.

Aristotle believes that there are three characteristics that promote high source credibility: intelligence, character, and goodwill. Intelligence is not about actual IQ, but more on practical wisdom and shared values. The intelligence that I possess is shown through my careful consideration of the limits of my parents’ finances and the independence that they can provide me. I mentioned my savings and that I will be going out with my most trusted friends, many of whom they already know and some of which they will personally know in the next few weeks.

In addition, I showed shared values in the promotion of good deeds within our family through