Question: What Are the Three Branches of Rhetoric?
Answer:
As defined by Aristotle in his Rhetoric (4th century BC), these are the three branches or genres of rhetoric:
- Deliberative Rhetoric (legislative, to exhort or dissuade)
Deliberative rhetoric is speech or writing that attempts to persuade an audience to take (or not take) some action. Whereas judicial rhetoric is primarily concerned with past events, deliberative discourse, says Aristotle, "always advises about things to come." Political oratory and debate fall under the category of deliberative rhetoric. - Judicial Rhetoric (forensic, to accuse or defend)
Judicial rhetoric is speech or writing that considers the justice or injustice of a certain charge or accusation. In the modern era, judicial (or forensic) discourse is primarily employed by lawyers in trials decided by a judge or jury. - Epideictic Rhetoric (ceremonial, to commemorate or blame)
Epideictic rhetoric is speech or writing that praises or blames. Also known as ceremonial discourse, epideictic rhetoric includes funeral orations, obituaries, graduation and retirement speeches, letters of recommendation, and nominating speeches at political conventions. Interpreted more broadly, epideictic rhetoric may also include works of literature.
For more information about the three branches of rhetoric, follow the links to Deliberative Rhetoric, Judicial Rhetoric, and Epideictic Rhetoric.
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