2.2 Greek and Roman Rhetorica

Summary

The video explores the Classical World of Ancient Greece and Rome, highlighting the development of communication within independent city-states. It discusses the rise of democratic elements, the importance of public speaking, and the role of philosophers like Socrates and Aristotle in shaping communication theories. The Greeks utilized various media forms, including theater and written texts, with libraries like the one in Alexandria making knowledge accessible. The Romans later adopted these Greek concepts, contributing to the foundation of communication studies that influenced subsequent historical periods and continue to inform modern discourse.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ancient Greece consisted of independent city-states, each with its own political system.
• 😀 The fifth century BC saw the rise of democratic elements in many Greek city-states.
• 😀 Communication science flourished during this time, driven by the need for effective public discourse.
• 😀 Key philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle contributed to the academic debate on communication.
• 😀 Public speaking and persuasion were essential skills taught to politicians, lawyers, and businessmen.
• 😀 Military leaders, including Xenophon and Alexander the Great, studied communication to boost troop morale.
• 😀 The media landscape featured public speaking, art, theater, and a wealth of written materials.
• 😀 The rediscovery of the alphabet in the sixth century facilitated the production of books and scrolls.
• 😀 Libraries, such as the famous Library of Alexandria, became crucial centers for knowledge dissemination.
• 😀 Roman communication practices were heavily influenced by Greek theories, continuing their legacy through the Byzantine Empire.

Q & A

What characterized Ancient Greece during the fifth century BCE?

Ancient Greece was a collection of independent city-states, some at war and others allied, with emerging democratic elements in governance.

Who were some key figures involved in the academic debate on communication in Ancient Greece?

Key figures included Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who contributed significantly to the study of communication.

Why was the science of communication important in Ancient Greece?

As political power among citizens grew, there was an increased need for effective mass communication, making it a vital skill for politicians, lawyers, and businessmen.

What role did public speaking play in Ancient Greek society?

Public speaking was crucial, with teachers and academies instructing individuals in its principles, especially for those in political and legal professions.

How did the Greeks utilize art in communication?

Greeks used symbolic and figurative communication through their art, usable artifacts, and architecture to convey messages and ideas.

What advancements in written media occurred during this period?

The rediscovery of the alphabet in the sixth century led to the proliferation of books, scrolls, and pamphlets, making reading and writing accessible to many.

What was the significance of the Library of Alexandria?

The Library of Alexandria was one of the most famous libraries, reputed to contain hundreds of thousands of handwritten scrolls, serving as a major center for knowledge.

How did the Romans influence communication theories?

The Romans adopted many Greek communication theories and sought to refine and perfect them, contributing to the evolution of communication thought.

What impact did classical thought have on future studies of communication?

Classical thought on communication provided the foundational theories that influenced the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and modern communication disciplines.

Where can learners find more detailed resources on communication theories discussed in the script?

Additional resources can be found in the course's online environment, including the 'Little Box of Nuance' and follow-up opportunities on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.