Obviously, both Elder Bednar and Socrates are fascinated by
the idea of communicating thoughts and ideas.
Both would agree that communication should be a means by which truth is
discovered and expounded upon.
After a long time of searching for the right word for it, I
gave up. Basically, Elder Bednar and
Socrates use very similar methods of speech in their oratories, that method
being a building up of an idea based on previously mentioned thoughts and
ideas. For instance, Elder Bednar
establishes the importance of social media in spreading the Lord’s work by
first discussing the concept of dispensation.
Then he shows the progression of technology over the past few
centuries. Finally, he shows how over the
millennia, God has been preparing the world for global outreach through social media. Similarly, Socrates slowly, yet surely,
builds his argument against rhetoric as an art; first by establishing some
simple definitions and then developing those thoughts into something quite
elaborate. Is there a rhetorical
definition for this gradual process of developing an argument?
Socrates uses an incredible amount of procatalepsis. It is fascinating how he anticipates possible
counterarguments and others misconstruing his thoughts. This is evidenced by his giving of questions
to have Polus ask him. Elder Bednar does
the same by cautioning us to do more than just giving a one-time effort of
sharing the gospel with others, but also not to become social media fanatics.
I wasn't able to find a specific rhetorical tool, but perhaps cause and effect as a topic of invention fits. They say one thing, and that leads to another, leading to another. It would fit being that cause and effect works well with deliberative oratory and, as mindee pointed out to me, Elder Bednar's talk highlights many deliberative ideas.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I like how you explained this (I'm not sure about the rhetorical name, either). But it is true that both Elder Bednar and Socrates build their arguments this way. I hadn't recognized it, but it is woven throughout each of their entire talks. Cool.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this comment. Especially the first part in regards to the idea that both Elder Bednar and Socrates "agree that communication should be a means by which truth is discovered and expounded upon." Truth is such an essential aspect of the gospel and the brethren and as a result I found myself imagining Elder Bednar and Socrates having a discussion about such ideas and concepts. Both speakers seem to understand Alma's teachings that "by small and simple things great things are brought to pass."
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