Chapter 6 Ethical Proof:Arguments from Character

While reading this chapter, there were a few ideas that I found important and/or interesting. The easiest way for me to situate my ideas is to list them out...

Aristotle's two kinds of ethical proof

·         Invented: “rhetors can invent a character suitable to an occasion” (198)

·         Situated: use their good reputation in the community as a proof (198)

If I had to choose one of these to use, I would use the situated proof. To me, it seems like it would be hard to invent a character and stick to whatever that character should be all of the time. Whereas, when using situated, you are able to be yourself and use the reputation you have already gained in the community. Considering the example in the textbook on page 200, even if the invented character is someone more like the speakers true self, they have not practiced being that person and I would think they would stumble. It seems easier and more honest as well.

Aristotle’s Ethical Requirements (201)

·         Intelligent

·         Be of good character

·         Express good will towards their audiences.

I think these are extremely important. When you are intelligent, you know more about the topic and can give accurate information. Character is important to establish respect and be trusted. Lastly, expressing good will towards others is necessary to gain an audience.

In response to “Demonstrating Intelligence by Doing the Homework”
When reading this, the thought that came to mind was class discussions here at WSU. I’m currently in a class where we read a book a week and then discuss it at the end. There are many students that aren't taking the time to read the book. Therefore, they come to class with discussion that is hardly relevant and seems to have built off the comments of others who had red the book. This has come to be a pet peeve of mine. They aren't doing their audience a favor by contributing half assed (for lack of better words) comments.

Intimate and Formal Distance

·         Intimate seems to be how I would write a letter or poetry. It’s sometimes hard to write a paper for a class and not be professional.

·         I use formal distance a lot. I have a hard time putting out emotion and connecting to a reader. It is something I am constantly working on. It makes sense that formal distance is used in a courtroom because be professional is important.

“The choice of grammatical person is the most influential element in establishing voice and distance”