The Birth of Rhetoric
Gorgias, Plato and Their Successors
Robert Wardy(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
Published on 5. September 1996
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-0-415-14642-5 (ISBN)
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Description
This study explores the first debates around the concept of rhetoric in ancient Greece and links them to contemporary thought. At the centre of discussion stands the relationship between rhetoric and philosophy. In "On What Is Not" and "Encomium of Helen" Gorgias suggested the terrifying and exhilarating possibility that persuasion is nothing but power, and that no human contact is innocent of its manipulative presence. This understanding of rhetoric is subsequently taken up and attacked by Plato and Socrates in their discussions of Gorgias. The author reads these texts and later ones in a sophisticated and philosophic manner. This book concludes with a description of the relationship between the fight over persuasive power and recent feminist debate - a telling example of the topicality of an ancient discussion.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Weight
430 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-415-14642-5 (9780415146425)
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Schweitzer Classification
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New editions

Book
03/1998
1st Edition
Routledge
€62.50
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