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:
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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.
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The recommended path through the site is The Sophists > Socrates & Plato > Aristotle > Comparison
