The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Ep. 247: Aristotle on Rhetoric and Emotions (Part Two)
Jul 13, 2020
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Enthymemes Rely On Likelihood
- Enthymemes are arguments that omit premises and rely on likelihood rather than strict demonstration.
- Public rhetoric uses these probable inferences because many civic matters lack mathematical certainty.
Maxims Pack Implied Arguments
- Maxims can carry entire arguments by embedding shared assumptions and leaving premises unstated.
- Short, familiar sayings function rhetorically as condensed enthymemes when audiences supply the missing reasons.
Pathos Shapes Persuasion
- Aristotle treats emotions (pathos) as judgment-laden and relevant to persuasion alongside logos and ethos.
- Speakers must anticipate audience emotions because feelings shape judgment and receptivity to arguments.