A Typical Classroom Lesson Part 1

I would start off the lesson with the question: “What is an argument?”

-Appropriate time allotted for thinking and incorrect answers by the students-

“In classical Greece, an argument consisted of topoi, general argumentative patterns through which specific arguments could be created. In other words, because it is difficult to argue some things, like abstract ideas, you would use topoi to somehow relate your argument to another aspect of the natural world through which an argument could be constructed. For example, the existence of the human soul can’t be proven by any argument, because it isn’t part of the natural world. Therefore, in order to persuade others to your point of view, you would have to relate your argument to something else, such as food.”

-Allow time for students to digest yo

ur metaphor-

There are several types of topoi. Some of them are:

1. Comparison- This is used to compare your idea to something else, which has a

lready been,

or could be, proven.

2. Circumstance- Perhaps something is possible or true at some times, but not at others, or will be so again in the future.

3. Testimony- Use witnesses, writings, authoritative figures, beliefs, etc. to develop your idea.

4. Division- Break things down into parts or part of a larger concept

For example, look at this picture of the Statue of Liberty:

You could say that this picture is part of a whole, in that the Statue of Liberty is part of America, or Manhattan Island is part of New York.

Or, you could say that the Statue of Liberty is a representation of freedom, and is a symbol of hope for refugees coming to America.

-Allow students time to nod and look thoughtful as they begin to understand the lesson-

Now you try. Look at this picture, and tell me what topoi are present: