What we think we know changes how we think.
An epistemology is a set of criteria for understanding the basis of our knowledge. Epistemologies are sets of beliefs and values that seek to answer the question "where does knowledge come from?"
​
The three epistemologies we will be discussing are that of the Sophists, Plato & Socrates, and Aristotle. Their three distinct value systems interpretations of knowledge shape their views of rhetoric. It is important that we study these distinct views as they have a continuing impact on how we as a society view rhetoric. We have can thank Plato for our tendency to dismiss speeches as "mere rhetoric" and Aristotle for our categoric breakdown of the art of speaking.
​
​
A few notes:
-
In this site, the word rhetoric will be used in the same context as it was for the Greek thinkers. For them, Rhetoric referred to a form of ultra-public speaking, as in an address to the public sphere.
-
The recommended path through the site is The Sophists > Socrates & Plato > Aristotle > Comparison
