Chapter 3: Neo-Aristotelian Criticism

1) How does the textbook define "neo-Aristotelian criticism"?

Neo-Aristotelian criticism is the use of the five canons of rhetoric for analysis of an artifact; it breaks down the artifact (it's typically only used on speeches) to see the mechanical aspects of it. This form of criticism provides an in-depth look at how a presentation works, is planned, is performed, etc.

2) What are the three basic steps in analyzing the artifact?

The three basic steps for analyzing an artifact through neo-Aristotelian Criticism include:
1. "Reconstructing the context in which the artifact occurred";
2. "Application of the five canons to the artifact"; &
3. "Assessing the impact of the artifact on the audience."


3) What are the five canons of rhetoric?

The canons of rhetoric stem from ancient Greece and Rome when rhetoric was divided into five stages or parts; the five parts all contribute to the process of public speaking. The steps are: "1. invention, the location and creation of ideas and materials for the speech; 2. organization, the structure or arrangement of the speech; 3. style, the language of the speech; 4. memory, mastery of the subject matter, which may include the actual memorizing of the speech; and 5. delivery, management of the voice and gestures in the presentation of the speech."