the art of persuasion meant to the classical Greeks.

A short essay (350-450 words, usually a little less than one page typed, single-spaced), in which you explain what the phrase, the art of persuasion meant to the classical Greeks. Since the time of the classical Greeks, one of the most common definitions for rhetoric is that it concerns the art of persuasion.” For the Greeks, a techn (the word usually translated as art) included three things: some theoretical understanding, some practical skill at carrying it out, and some experience with particulars to guide its application (Sachs 30n1). Sophists claimed that they taught the art of words, or the art of rhetoric. Plato, on the other hand, dismissed what they taught as an experience, a part of pandering. ccording to this definition, do you think that there is an art to persuasion? Why or why not?

Microthemes feature a small amount of writing preceded by a large amount of thinking, so you should think carefully about your answer before you start writing. That way, you will be able to explain your position thoroughly even in a very short essay. You should also base your answer on the course readings, rather than on our common understanding of art or on definitions that you find in other sources. Two good place to start are with the explanation that Sachs provides in a footnote (30) and with what Kennedy says about the relationship between an art, a skill and a knack (62-63). You may also find it helpful to look at what the other ancient writers, such as the historical Gorgias and Isocrates said, as well as Platos arguments in the dialogue Gorgias.

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