I like Quintilian's way of viewing rhetoric -- that it should only be used for good, however, I do not agree that it is how it is actually used. As we have discussed in class before, often times we see rhetoric used in manipulation or persuasion. Arguably, manipulation and persuasion are not always used negatively or in a "bad" context, but since they CAN be used that way, I would have to disagree with Quintilian.
I think that Quintilian, like Plato, is idealistic. In a perfect world, rhetoric is always good and never hurtful, but I think that every action engenders many reactions, sometimes immeasurable and often times entirely removed from their origins. However, I personally believe philosophical statements to be handbooks, guides, or maps for developing a solid moral foundation and working at a better practice, and that at times, they have to be challenged to reach those goals. In that case, I personally strive for rhetoric to only be intended for good, while recognizing that everything has a "catch" and there is always room to build upon what one classifies as "good".
I like Quintilian's way of viewing rhetoric -- that it should only be used for good, however, I do not agree that it is how it is actually used. As we have discussed in class before, often times we see rhetoric used in manipulation or persuasion. Arguably, manipulation and persuasion are not always used negatively or in a "bad" context, but since they CAN be used that way, I would have to disagree with Quintilian.
ReplyDeleteI think that Quintilian, like Plato, is idealistic. In a perfect world, rhetoric is always good and never hurtful, but I think that every action engenders many reactions, sometimes immeasurable and often times entirely removed from their origins. However, I personally believe philosophical statements to be handbooks, guides, or maps for developing a solid moral foundation and working at a better practice, and that at times, they have to be challenged to reach those goals. In that case, I personally strive for rhetoric to only be intended for good, while recognizing that everything has a "catch" and there is always room to build upon what one classifies as "good".
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