Rhetoric and Persuasion
Aristotle to Apple

  HOW HAVE RHETORIC AND PERSUASION CHANGED SINCE THE TIME OF ARISTOTLE?

This web quest is designed to show the connection from Aristotle's rhetoric to the rhetorical techniques used today in popular culture. We read, hear, and even speak forms of rhetoric every day. But do we realize it? Or are the modern-day Aristotles that clever that we are persuaded without noticing this art form?

• Have you chosen to buy a particular brand because you have heard that that company gives a portion of sales to a charity?
• Have you been moved off your couch to get a certain type of fast food because of a great commercial with juicy images?
• Have you been persuaded to believe one particular argument over another because of the spokesperson's reputation?
• Have you forgiven a relative's social mistake because of an emotionally-driven excuse story?
• Have you been compelled to buy the latest piece of technology because it will allow you to get your work done faster?
• Have you talked “yourself” into buying something because you deserve it?

Have you ever wondered where that internal voice comes from?

Created By: Jessica Mamaclay, Lisa Parker, Megha Thakkar
Last Update: June 25, 2007