This blog will be based on ideas derived from class and readings more than body material.
Reading through the dialogue in book 6 on how philosophers can become corrupt, I began to wonder if the power of influence from philosophy or rhetoric would be more powerful -- or better still, if philosophy could be plugged into rhetoric. As Plato has Socrates explain (I'm having a hard time grasping the Plato/Socrates concept, but since Socrates is mentioned as speaking, I'm running with that), the 'strongest' philosopher, which encites a person most apt to ask good questions and meet the criterion previously suggested required for a true philosopher, is the most suseptible to corruption due to their increased ability to manipulate the crowd and embetter themselves by establishing themselves in a position of governance through promises to benefit the people. (long sentence) But could that philosophical mindset be used in rhetoric? Since myths, parabols, etc. are used to explain 'truths' in philosophy through examples, they can also be used to support false claims that might seem appealing to a group of people capable of giving the philosopher power and pleasure. I think we actually covered this idea pretty well in class, though I didn't hear the word 'rhetoric' mentioned; but it is something I'm curious about.
Rhetoric is a discipline used to influence. Philosophy is a means to search for truth. The two combined together, where the latter is used to support falsehoods with convincing claims, could be pretty powerful. And I remember someone mentioned after we read 'Crito' that it seemed as if Socrates might have been using rhetoric to support his claims, although he knew it would lead to his death. Although I don't support that idea, rhetoric was related to Plato/Socrates at one point previously.
Btw, does anyone know when CNN is going to move their crew away from the tree?
P.S. I commented on Regis' later post, 'I Am Shadow.'
Wow, that's deep, I never looked at it that way before, but yes, that's correct. Plus, rhetoric is just fun to use sometimes. Especially in the language game.
ReplyDeleteI think that Jesus successfully combined Rhetoric with Philosophy, and that's why even people who aren't Christians still talk about his teachings today. He spoke of the truth in a way that influenced everyone around him and has changed the lives of people for two thousand years. (and many more years to come)
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't expect the CNN camera to move anytime soon. The cave-dwellers just got the box set of Daria and refuse to leave.