Rhetoric: For the "good of the polis"

Aristotle discusses several interesting ideas in the pieces we read this past week. In Physics, the philosopher puts forth the idea that natural things have an “innate impulse to change” (329). This impulse cannot be found in inanimate objects but results from a cause. Aristotle continues this piece by working through the definitions of form and matter and how much should be known about each of these elements.

He then asks this question: “How far then must the student of nature know the form or essence?” (332).  In other words, how much should a student know about the way these two components work together to produce a specific end? Aristotle’s thought process throughout each of the works we read shows his use of logic as he grapples with chance, choice and spontaneity. Toward the end of the piece, he comes to the conclusion that purpose can be found in both art and nature (341). This idea seems to be somewhat of a theme throughout the other works by Aristotle and the secondary articles. I hope to connect this sense of purpose with evidence, because I believe it to be a central thought that the philosopher tries to work through.

In the first sentence of Metaphysics, Aristotle claims that “all men by nature desire to know” (1552). From this desire stems a discussion about the essence of cause. If something exists, it began with a cause (1557). This thought process is certainly meta (hence the title of the work), however, it is important to think about. Aristotle goes on to say that “the cause of all goods is the good itself” (1558). After reading, I was still left with this question: What exactly is the good? Can we truly discover the essence of what is good? These muddy waters are where we find rhetoric: finding what is good and how that good impacts the public.

Alan G. Gross describes rhetoric as techne, which he then seeks to define through the different causes, or aitia. This process forms through experience, which is evident in On Rhetoric as Aristotle discusses methods for crafting a proper argument and relating to particular audiences. Through all of this, it becomes evident that the end for rhetoric (as Gross sees it) is “the good of the polis.” Further, rhetoric is a “productive art.” As I stated before, it all comes back to the good and the purpose of the good.  

According to Warnick, discovering what is good comes from “practical wisdom” or phronesis (305). This wisdom comes with experience and maturity as well as with sufficient reasons for why one should choose a certain path. Rhetoric alone cannot suffice to produce the good. Rhetoric is “art” because of how it is applied—not simply because it is applied (305). Its effectiveness results in the common good of the people (or the polis as I mentioned earlier).   

The object lesson I hope to connect with these ideas is a speech given last week by President Obama. The speech was given at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, and it focused on human trafficking and the goals to further combat and end the nasty cycle. In the speech, Obama uses repetition to emphasize how the effort to end human trafficking is for the “good of the polis:”

“It ought to concern every person, because it is a debasement of our common humanity.  It ought to concern every community, because it tears at our social fabric.  It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets.  It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime.  I’m talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name -- modern slavery” (Text of speech).

Obama continues by describing a plan of measures the U.S. government is taking to target traffickers and provide resources for victims. The President mentions potential causes for modern slavery, and he goes on to state how to prevent those causes:

“And more broadly, as nations, let’s recommit to addressing the underlying forces that push so many into bondage in the first place.  With development and economic growth that creates legitimate jobs, there’s less likelihood of indentured servitude around the globe.  A sense of justice that says no child should ever be exploited, that has to be burned into the cultures of every country.”

The speech as a whole rallies around the “good” and the sense of purpose that comes with what we, as citizens, should think about the good in this particular situation. Obama mentions specific victims by name and describes their stories as a way to appeal to the emotions of the audience. He calls this initiative a “no-brainer,” and compels his audience to make the choice to stand up against human trafficking.

The President ends with this statement to victims:

“And so our message today, to them, is -- to the millions around the world -- we see you.  We hear you.  We insist on your dignity.”

Obama makes a declaration to improve the good of the polis—and more importantly, the good of those who suffer everywhere.