Poor rhetoric, once 'learning' itself, now becomes reduced to the teaching of mannerisms and forms, Aristotelian forms, for writing, as if these mattered.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Rhetoric, once central to learning, has been reduced to teaching superficial forms and styles.
- In plain terms
- Rhetoric is now taught as mere technique, not as deep learning.
- What can you take from it?
- Teach rhetoric as a tool for critical thinking, not just style.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is the purpose of rhetoric today?
- How can we deepen its teaching?
Another view
May idealize past rhetoric without acknowledging its own flaws.
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