The term rhetoric has traditionally applied to the principles of training communicators–those seeking to persuade or inform (Britannica). Rhetoric, in its broadest sense, is the theory and practice of eloquence, whether spoken or written. It may or may not be spoken to persuade (Plato aka Socrates). The unexamined life is not worth living (Plato aka Socrates). The problem today is that we do not know how to talk to each other anymore.
Encarta Rhetoric Article–Background. From the beginning there was a general debate (!) over the advisability, even morality of persuading without honoring Truth and the gods (God!).
The underlying question behind communication (rhetoric) is basic: What is the form (Plato) or truth (Augustine)?
- Epistemology separate from metaphysical reality (Aristotle)
- Metaphysical reality very much influence epistemology (Plato)
- It is irrelevant to ask the question (Sophists)
The modern world has been enamored by and repelled by Rhetoric (if understood as persuasive conversation). On one hand logical positivism insists that all statements must be verified by scientific evidence. On the other hand, the new rhetoric posits that communication–rhetoric–has no moral or ethical responsibility to anyone–it is purely created to persuade. This is tied very clearly to Freudian notions that every act presupposes an ego enhancement quality. In other words, we are free to persuade anyone to do anything if we do so with sincerity.