Rhetoric as the Art of Character Development
Open Access
- Author:
- Roth, Kristen
- Area of Honors:
- Communication Arts and Sciences
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Mary Kathryn High, Thesis Supervisor
Lori Ann Bedell, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- rhetoric
character development
good character
rhetorical theory - Abstract:
- This honors thesis explains the importance of learning the history of rhetorical theory as an art of character development. The teaching of the history of rhetorical theory as an art of character development will not only create knowledgeable people, but also shape good citizens that will positively influence humanity by utilizing rhetoric for the benefit of society. This thesis begins with an introduction in Chapter 1 that explains the importance of character education in an individual, and how in today’s society the emphasis on good character as part of an individual’s overall character is neglected. Chapter 2 begins by explaining the differences between good rhetoric and bad rhetoric and how it is related to character. Chapter 3 analyzes Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome and the historical figures, such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian, who emphasized the importance of having good character for the benefit of society. In Chapter 4, the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods are investigated and rhetoricians such as Petrarch, Vives, and Vico and their concepts are explained. In Chapter 5, concepts from Richard Weaver and John Dewey are depicted in contemporary, twentieth century rhetoric. Chapter 6 explains the role of character education today and describes CITRS, a nonprofit organization’s efforts to implement character development programs in today’s society. This thesis concludes with Chapter 7 which gives an overall analysis of the importance of character education today and in future generations in order to create a better society for people.