Deck 3: Historical, Scientific, and Ethical Foundations

Question 1

The perspective that the ethics of a persuasive message can be best measured by its effects is known as _________.

A) Deontological Theory
B) Virtue ethics
C) Utilitarianism
D) The Categorical Imperative

Answer 1

C

Question 2

The social scientific approach to persuasion theory emerged as a response to what historical phenomenon?

A) Rise of propaganda in the 1930s
B) Rise of home television in the 1950s
C) Development of radio in the late 1800s
D) The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union in the Cold War

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which of the following is a true statement about the Sophists?

A) They adopted a scientific approach to their understanding of rhetoric and persuasion
B) They were traveling teachers of public speaking and rhetorical style
C) They were responsible for educating the Roman people and preparing them for civic life
D) They were the first to theorize the three persuasive appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos

Answer 3

B

Question 4

The perspective that one should "act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end" is known as _______.

A) Deontological Theory
B) Virtue ethics
C) Utilitarianism
D) The Categorical Imperative

Question 5

The components of persuasion that emerge from characteristics of the persuader were called _____ by Aristotle.

A) Ethos
B) Pathos
C) Logos
D) Kairos

Question 6

If you had lived in Ancient Greece, with whom would you have aligned yourself regarding rhetoric: Plato, the Sophists, or Aristotle? What argument(s) presented by each would most influence your decision? Why?

Question 7

Is persuasion inherently moral or immoral? Why or why not? Support your answer with information about morality and ethics from the text.

Question 8

Imagine you are a college admissions officer with a family. Your job security and career advancement depend on high enrollment numbers. If you know a student will need to take out large student loans to afford college, is it ethical for you to persuade the student to attend your school? Why or why not?