CMST 2060 Lecture 4: Topic
INVENTION -- THE ART OF DISCOVERING WHAT MIGHT BE SAID ON A SUBJECT
TOPICAL THINKING -- The method through which we find the premises necessary
to build arguments, it is akin to a systematic brainstorming.
TOPOS (Greek for place) -- In rhetoric, it refers to the place one goes to find arguments
or points.
The topical method is designed to stimulate creative thinking capable of investing experience
with new meaning and opening audiences to new possibilities for action. By following the
method, we think about communicating by reviewing the possible things (both general and
specific) that might be said. In this manner we avoid mere imitation or adaptation of stock
themes.
Here is Carroll Arnold’s adapted list of Aristotle's topics. Simply try to find an argument or point
that fits in each place. Obviously not all of the arguments will be good. The point here is to
develop an exhaustive list about what might be said. This is a focusing mechanism designed to
generate ideas. Accordingly, you want quantity over quality at this stage. Evaluation for quality
willcome later. By following the process, you will then be able to choose the three or four best
arguments or points in support of your proposition.
A. Attributes commonly discussed:
1. Existence
2. Degree or quantity
3. Spatial attributes
4. Attributes of time
5. Motion
6. Form
7. Substance
8. Capacity to change
9. Potency
10.Desirability
11.Feasibility
B. Basic relationships commonly asserted or argued:
1. Causality
2. Correlation
3. Genus-species
4. Similarity
5. Possibility
Document Summary
Invention -- the art of discovering what might be said on a subject. Topical thinking -- the method through which we find the premises necessary to build arguments, it is akin to a systematic brainstorming. Topos (greek for place) -- in rhetoric, it refers to the place one goes to find arguments or points. The topical method is designed to stimulate creative thinking capable of investing experience with new meaning and opening audiences to new possibilities for action. By following the method, we think about communicating by reviewing the possible things (both general and specific) that might be said. In this manner we avoid mere imitation or adaptation of stock themes. Here is carroll arnold s adapted list of aristotle"s topics. Simply try to find an argument or point that fits in each place. Obviously not all of the arguments will be good. The point here is to develop an exhaustive list about what might be said.
