19th Annual Student Research Conference
Interdisciplinary
Socrates and the Power of Rhetorical Communication
Rebecca L. Hadley
Dr. Steven Reschly and Prof. Martha L. Rose, Faculty Mentors
When one thinks of masterful rhetoricians throughout history, many people come to mind. Socrates is usually regarded as the father of philosophy, not rhetoric, but this paper argues that the Greek citizen Socrates was one of the best communicators of all time. Using rhetorical communication skills, Socrates constantly engaged the minds of Athenian citizens, encouraging them to think, to notice, and to question everything. Socrates strived every day to encourage men to reach their full potential, not to be mere followers. Although he is now regarded as a Greek hero, Socrates was neither praised nor respected, except by a select few, and was condemned to death in 399 BC in Athens, Greece. After visiting Socrates’ native Athens and, specifically, the prison that has been identified as the site at which he drank hemlock and died, it became even more evident why Socrates should also be called the father of communication.
Keywords: Socrates, Rhetoric, Rhetorical, Communication, Greece
Topic(s):Study Abroad
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 45-5
Location: OP 2115
Time: 2:15