So what is rhetoric? According to Aristotle it is the ability to recognise and use the art of persuasion. It’s not merely about trying to persuade people when giving a speech, but knowing what the ingredients are to actually be persuasive.

It’s also about seeking and establishing truth, just as those who use the dialectic method, seek truth. For those who don’t know, the dialectic method is a dialogue aimed at discovering truth through questioning, analysing and reaching conclusions.

So what are the ingredients to be persuasive? Aristotle believes it to be split into 3 parts:

• ethos (character of the speaker)
• pathos (emotional appeal),
• Logos (logical argument).

If we are able to master rhetoric, it becomes a valuable tool for establishing truth, successfully convincing others of truth and serves as a self-defence for those who wish to use it with bad intentions.

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato believed that Democracy was not the ideal system for society. To allow the public to participate in political matters leads to decisions based on self-interest and ignorance. Moreover, those that are in power are also capable of corruption and can manipulate public opinion. So what does the ideal society look-like? Plato’s solution is for society to be ruled by ‘Philosopher Kings’: Those that have the best understanding to lead the people, the greatest understanding of good and bad and show genuine concern for the welfare of the state and it’s citizens.

So how do you become a Philosopher King or Queen? Plato conceives of a system where children are chosen at a young age for their intelligence. They are then trained and carefully raised to become self-less, incorruptible and virtuous rulers.

What about the rest of the people? Plato splits society into 3 classes: The Rulers A.K.A the Philosopher Kings Guardians (Auxillaries): The warriors responsible for defending the state and enforcing the rules The rest: The everyday people, the producers of things, the members of society

With Philosopher Kings and Queens in place, society will experience what it is to be ruled justly and allow individuals to live the best life they can.