Encomium of Helen and the Soul-Shaping Power of Human Discourse

October 8, 2016

Rhetoric 103A – GSI Jerilyn Sambrooke

Precis 

Encomium of Helen and the Soul-Shaping Power of Human Discourse

In the Encomium of Helen, author Gorgias presents an argument seemingly praising Helen of Troy while making a strong claim about the nature of discourse in human society. The claim regarding discourse appears near the middle of the Encomium when Gorgias begins to discuss the gripping power of persuasion. More specifically, in section 13, Gorgias asserts that “Persuasion belonging to discourse shapes the soul at will,” before outlining three examples of how discourse can influence opinion. The three cases that Gorgias offers as support or warrants for the claim that persuasive discourse shapes the soul are that of astronomers replacing old ideas with new, that of a rhetorically enticing, yet deceptive argument in a debate, and that of philosophers with competing philosophical opinions. It should be noted that the following report addresses the Encomium of Helen as Brian R. Donovan of classicpersuasion.org translates it. 

In the first example that Gorgias offers to support his claim, Gorgias explains that through exploration, astronomers set aside old opinions and build new, previously obscure ideas to present to the public. Gorgias writes, “discourses of astronomers… make incredible and obscure things apparent to the eyes of opinion,” personifying opinion in the employment of his argument. Gorgias carefully chooses the language, "building up another in its stead," alluding to the progressive nature of some forms of discourse. Additionally, in assigning astronomers’ findings characteristics such as “incredible and obscure,” Gorgias reinforces the power of discourse to persuade people and force them to consider ideas previously unbelievable and unheard of. 

The second example that Gorgias provides as support of his initial claim is the “artfully written but not truthfully meant” argument seen as necessary in a debate that has the power to move an audience. Gorgias later goes into a deeper analysis of what he refers to as "lying discourse," but in this presentation of the lie's power, Gorgias alludes to the power of pathos -- emotional appeal -- in an argument. An artfully written or presented argument that evokes emotion (Donovan’s translation provides delight as the emotion provoked) in the listener and has immense persuasive power regardless of how much truth lies in that argument. 

As the third piece of support for his claim that persuasive discourse shapes the soul at will, Gorgias provides the example of philosophers battling with their thoughts and discourse.  The issue of credibility, a key player in ethos power, is addressed here when Gorgias discusses how the rapidity with which philosophical opinions change and are challenged renders the credibility of some philosophical arguments precarious. This portion of Gorgias’ argument can be viewed as a qualifier for the claim, acknowledging that credibility in discourse is not certain, even when that discourse is successfully persuasive. This entire argument is reminiscent of the Rogerian principle of communication that suggests that making strong statements of opinion stimulates an audience to respond with a strong opinion as well. The discussion of competition among philosophical opinions reminds the audience of the fragility of discourse. 

Ultimately, in section 13 Gorgias presents an argument with support and qualification that addresses the power of persuasive discourse to influence people deeply. Personification, pathos, and ethos are all present in his argument. The first example grants discourse the power to open the eyes of, or dramatically change opinion. The second example suggests persuasive discourse has the power to move people emotionally regardless of truth, and the third identifies opinion as powerful, yet highly susceptible to change. The argument invests discourse with a power that sustains throughout the conclusion of the Encomium.