Friday, September 12, 2014

From the Past, In the Present, To the Future

Elder Bednar’s uses decorum with an appeal to logos to illustrate the perfect moment of Kairos for his speech. Intertwined throughout his speech, Elder Bednar refers to the past dispensations and past prophets to demonstrate the reality that now (kairos) is the time to speak of technology and possibly more importantly, now is the time to “act” or communicate through technology and social media.

Elder Bednar’s ability to appeal to reason in explaining the significance of this, our dispensation (kairos) causes the audience to more fully recognize that our lives and the timing of them have been looked too since the beginning of time. An audience member may think, “If the prophets of old have looked to and prophesied of our day then I guess this is pretty important stuff.” As Elder Bednar continues he consistently refers back to the past to remind us of the power of now. Finally, Elder Bednar invites the audience now, to act in the future. This invitation persuades and moves the audience to think, “This time is so important that there is something that I need to do about it.”

Although the intent and detail differs in Socrates communication, the overlying pattern is similar. Socrates uses the past and events found within it to influence the present and appeal to logos in order to effect the way in which Gorgias responds, ultimately demonstrating his superior reasoning. I also find it significant that Socrates points out the Kairos of his communication (like Elder Bednar) as he pauses from time to time to be sure that the audience is still comfortable to proceed, strengthening his ethos.

Among all else, the message moved me. 
Let’s #ShareGoodness! 

3 comments:

  1. I'm glad you brought that up about recognizing the importance of our time. That was something that really impressed me about the talk. I felt just as you described, if they looked forward to our day, it must really be important!

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  2. Great interpretation of the incorporation past events to preside us to the future. It almost seemed like they were developing the idea that those who came before us did what they could with what they had and laid the ground work for what we have the potential for doing today, so we should really act. If not, then the warnings and counsel of the past fall on empty ears. We see the benefits of heeding and consequences of ignoring this counsel poignantly from both Elder Bednar and Socrates.

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  3. This is a great example of kairos! Previously I had some inklings as to what it really meant, such as saying something at the right time, but this hits home for me. This was the perfect setting to speak about social media and missionary work. Thanks for helping me to understand kairos more!

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