After reading each of the three theories, I mainly align myself with Aristotle's definition of rhetoric. Specifically, the "four-fold function" within Aristotle's definition resonates with me the most. I like some parts of Plato's and Gorgias'/the Sophists' definitions, but not the definitions as a whole. Aristotle combines the Sophists' search for logic and Plato's search for a moral and absolute truth with his definition. I also think that Aristotle's definition is the most widely known-- and accepted-- definition today.
Because Aristotle comes after the Sophists and Plato, Aristotle's definition mirrors the Sophists' definition more than it does Plato's. Aristotle reflects the Sophistic goal of being able to argue all sides of a case. Aristotle says that one should "know the whole state of the case" (Rhetoric of Western Thought, 67). To me, it only makes sense to know the entirety of the problem in order to best argue your views and refute the opposition's claim.
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