Gorgias’ “undeclared” theory of arrangement: a postscript to Smeltzer

• Omar Swartz ; Wilfred E. Major ^[2] ; Edward Schiappa ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Minnesota

     University of Minnesota

     City of Minneapolis, Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] Loyola University
• Localización: Southern communication journal, ISSN 1041-794X, Vol. 62, nº 2, 1996 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Social Influence in Changing Times), págs. 149-152
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • In a recent essay, Mark A. Smeltzer finds in Gorgias’ speeches a theory of arrangement that has two components: a four‐part division of the speech as a whole and a three‐step pattern of individual argument construction. In response we argue: 1) the four‐part division is not apparent in Gorgias’ speeches; 2) the three‐step pattern is characteristic of “ring composition” rather than an explicit theory of composition; 3) recognizable patterns of composition do not constitute proof of a theory at work; and 4) writing about the history of rhetoric would be enhanced by recognizing the concept of an “undeclared” theory.