Sophist, Aristotle, and Stoic: Three Concepts of Ancient Rhetoric

This study examines the concepts of rhetoric used in ancient times, using a process of research based upon “Interpretivist research Philosophy”. Common thinking among rhetoricians and philosophers in general argues that one concept of rhetoric was utilized. this paper argues that there were at least three concepts of rhetoric known in Antiquity. each was unique in its own right and contributed to what was to be a new body of knowledge. research conclusions stem from a study of the works of ancient authors, including Plato and Aristotle, and from schools of philosophies, including the writings of Stoics and Sophists. the reviewed literature supports the thesis presented in this paper that at least three concepts of rhetoric were known and used.