Sophism: Modern day Sophists

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Part 1

Choose one of these and respond in a 1-2 page paper response please:

A. Read Abraham Lincoln’s　Second Inaugural Address　(pp. 22-23 in Herrick), and demonstrate how the address illustrates any three of the characteristics of rhetorical discourse as outlined in Chapter 1.

OR

B. In your opinion, what members (or segment) of our modern society most closely resemble(s) the Sophists? Be sure to demonstrate your view by citing examples and drawing parallels.

Part 2

In the classical world, a “great man” was often identified as one who possessed not only an understanding of certain ideals ( Truth,　Justice　and　Beauty among them), but also one who was an accomplished orator or　rhetor. In modern terms, however,　rhetoric　often carries a negative connotation. Many of you have heard (or even used) the phrase “empty rhetoric” to describe a speech or argument that is seemingly devoid of reason, organization or purpose.

In this introduction, Herrick defines the art of rhetoric　as: “the systematic study and intentional practice of effective symbolic expression” (7). We have used this definition as our starting point for the class and will continue to construct an understanding of the art of rhetoric as it applies to our socio-political community.