discussion question 3 - On Rhetoric

All people use rhetoric to endorse their positions on issues. This is often a very effective form of communication. It is well known that people respond best to persuasion when one appeals to their emotions, which is the essence of rhetoric. This is sometimes preferred when an in-depth analysis of an issue (such as which TV I should buy) is not necessary. However, I also think it is true that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Many social and moral issues are based on the deepest principles of one’s life. To persuade someone on an important moral issue through the use of rhetoric and emotional appeal robs that person of an opportunity to examine his life and put his principles to the test. Therefore, however strongly one may feel about an issue, I think it is necessary to allow others to come to their own conclusions through reason and by examining their lives.