A Note on AI Generated History of Rhetoric

I'm sharing the ChatGPT transcript printed below for several reasons. It is accurate, if a bit superficial. It suggests that one has synopsizes of rhetorical texts at one's fingertips, which suggests that writing synopsizes is no longer a publishable activity (example of an umpublishable digital synopsis). It also makes me wonder why, apart from looking for specific details, one would read any of these books. Perhaps that's the point. In order to learn the history of rhetoric in the age of AI, one requests of AI a bibliography of the most significant books in the history of rhetoric, then an epitome In a draft I kept switching between synopsis and epitome and then I realized I didn't know the difference. Hence this image: of each, then a bio of each author with their significance for rhetoric included. Then one might scrutinize the epitome for missing details and request more depth, thus turning an epitome into something more like a synopsis. In this way one could do the entire history of rhetoric in a single semester and never buy or read a single book.

In the recent past, when I was trying to convince humanities majors that they should learn html, as a way of tricking a few of them into getting interested in programming as a gateway to employment, I used to use the analogy of learning to play an instrument rather than merely playing music on Spotify. Learning to play alters your cognitive capacities, gives you a deeper sense of identity, an intimate appreciation of skill and talent and their relationship, as well as a sense of belonging to a tradition and not just having a membership in a fan club. The argument, essentially, is that if you don't know how to do it, or at least know how it is done, you don't fully understand it and therefore can't fully appreciate it. For someone who knows how Magicians do what they do, a well executed slight-of-hand maneuver is awesome, but it isn't magic. For the initiated, appreciating magic done well might be a magical experience, in the sense of transportive, but it isn't a delusional one. For the uninitiated, the illusion is the reality. Does this analogy hold for learning a discipline? Or are we simply able to learn disciplines differently? Maybe we can learn more disciplines since we can (if we can) learn more quickly.

With specific reference to Quintilian in this regard, one might argue that reading a translation of the Institutes gives one an opportunity to read an historically significant voice, the tone, cadence, the style of an important person. But that argument is superficial because one isn't reading Quintilian but rather a translation. One would need to learn to read Latin. And nearly no one learns Latin any more. So by reading a translation we are getting a sense of style at one remove, at best, from the original: An illusion. Is the illusion important enough to continue pursuing it or should we move on now that AI is here?

Is the twinge of nostalgia I am feeling just an echo of Phaedrus 427? Has intellectual work changed? Or is it merely being facsimilated? Does it even matter?

Quintilian's goal was to teach parents (fathers) how to teach Arguably he was just telling them how to pick tutors and schools. their sons to be effective members of their communities by teaching them how to reach moral conclusions and convince others to reach the same. He taught and encouraged responsible eloquence, insight combined with persuasion. Presumably contemporary AI-enhanced teachers ought to have a similar goal, but perhaps the route has now changed. Quint. advocated imitation and repetition and memory, speaking often on diverse topics, translating from Greek into Latin and then back again, to enable a close examination of style and cultural similarities and differences. The goal wasn't scholarship, one didn't want to "smell of the lamp" but a keen understanding of all possibly relevant details from which one might build something easier to understand than the undigested truth of whatever subject one needed to share with a general audience. One needed to learn how to say the quiet parts out loud and the loud parts not at all.

Pehraps rhetoric's goal remains the same; it's just that the means to that end have changed.

The Prompts I Used

These are the prompts I used in the order I thought to ask them. I changed the order of presentaiton when I reprinted them below.

Can you summarize the first book of Quintillian's [sic.] Institutes of Oratory?
Can you summarize the Second book of Quintilian's Institutes of Oratory?
Can you summarize the Eleventh book of Quintilian's Institutes of Oratory? Please format in html
Can you summarize the Twelfth book of Quintilian's Institutes of Oratory? Please format in html
Please give me an over ov [sic.] Quintilian's life and important to the history of rhetoric
Please reformat that in html

This is not an example of sophisticated prompt-crafting. I didn't request clarification or specific details in places where I noticed the overview was especially superficial. I just took what I got, with the exception of asking for html formatting when I realized I wanted to share all this with you. Notice that I made a couple of typos while prompting and it gracefully ignored them.

Were you to do something like this, I would encourage you to request specific details after each response.

Life of Quintilian, According to ChatGPT (3.5)

Quintilian, whose full name was Marcus Fabius Quintilianus, was a prominent Roman rhetorician and educator who lived during the 1st century CE. Here's an overview of his life:

1. Early Life

   Quintilian was born around 35 CE in Calagurris, Hispania (modern-day Calahorra, Spain). Little is known about his early life, but he likely received a well-rounded education in his youth.

2. Educational Background

   Quintilian received a thorough education in rhetoric, philosophy, and literature. He studied under the renowned Roman orator Domitius Afer and later studied in Rome, where he honed his skills as an orator.

3. Career

   Quintilian had a successful career as a practicing orator and advocate in the Roman courts. He gained a reputation for his eloquence and teaching ability.

4. Teaching Career

   Quintilian is most famous for his role as an educator. He opened a school of rhetoric in Rome, where he taught and trained aspiring orators. His teaching methods and principles of oratory had a profound influence on education in the Roman Empire.

Importance to the History of Rhetoric

Quintilian made significant contributions to the history of rhetoric. Here's why he is important to the field of rhetoric:

1. "Institutio Oratoria"

   Quintilian's most significant contribution to the history of rhetoric is his work "Institutio Oratoria" (Institutes of Oratory), a comprehensive twelve-volume guide to the education of orators. It is considered one of the most influential works on rhetoric in the Western tradition.

2. Systematic Approach

   Quintilian's "Institutio Oratoria" provided a systematic and organized approach to the education of orators. He emphasized the importance of character, ethics, and the responsible use of rhetoric, not just persuasion.

3. Moral and Ethical Rhetoric

   Quintilian stressed the ethical responsibilities of the orator, promoting the idea that the ideal orator should be a good person and use rhetoric for the promotion of justice and truth.

4. Influence on Education

   His work became a cornerstone of education in the Roman world and later influenced the development of rhetorical theory and pedagogy throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Quintilian's influence extended to both Western and European educational systems.

5. Emphasis on Imitation

   Quintilian encouraged the study and imitation of classical authors and orators as a means of developing one's oratorical skills, a concept that continued to be influential in rhetorical training.

Quintilian's "Institutio Oratoria" is a comprehensive work on the education and training of orators in ancient Rome. The first book of the "Institutio Oratoria" serves as an introduction to the entire work and lays the foundation for the principles of oratory. It covers the following key points:

Book 1

1. The Importance of Oratory

   Quintilian emphasizes the significance of oratory in Roman society, highlighting its role in both legal and political spheres.

2. The Ideal Orator

   He discusses the qualities and virtues that an ideal orator should possess, including natural talent, knowledge, and moral character.

3. The Role of Education

   Quintilian stresses the importance of early education in developing oratorical skills, suggesting that the training should begin at a young age and be comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of subjects.

4. The Relationship Between Rhetoric and Philosophy

   He explores the connection between rhetoric and philosophy, advocating for a well-rounded education that includes both.

5. The Importance of Imitation

   Quintilian promotes the idea that aspiring orators should study and imitate the works of great orators of the past as a means of developing their own skills.

6. The Ethical and Moral Aspect

   He argues that an orator should not only be persuasive but also ethical and concerned with justice and truth.

7. The Divisions of Oratory

   Quintilian discusses the three main branches of oratory: judicial, deliberative, and demonstrative oratory, and their respective characteristics.

Overall, the first book of Quintilian's "Institutio Oratoria" sets the stage for the subsequent books, which delve into the specific techniques, exercises, and training that should be part of an orator's education. It lays the groundwork for understanding the principles and values that underpin the art of oratory in the Roman world.

Book 2

The second book of Quintilian's "Institutio Oratoria" continues to provide guidance on the education of orators. Here is a summary of the key points covered in the second book:

1. Selection of the Teacher

   Quintilian discusses the importance of choosing a competent and morally upright teacher for the education of an orator. He emphasizes that the teacher should serve as a positive role model.

2. Early Education

   He advocates for the early education of children and the development of their character, intellectual faculties, and speech. Quintilian believes that these early years are crucial for laying the foundation for future oratory skills.

3. Literary and Language Studies

   The second book delves into the importance of studying literature and the mastery of language. Quintilian discusses the need to understand the principles of grammar, vocabulary, and style to become an effective orator.

4. Memory Training

   Quintilian emphasizes the significance of memory in oratory and provides methods for enhancing memory, including mnemonic devices and the importance of regular practice.

5. Imitation and Models

   He continues to stress the value of imitation, encouraging students to study and emulate the works of classical authors as a means of developing their oratorical skills.

6. Rhetorical Exercises

   The book covers various exercises to improve the student's rhetorical abilities, including paraphrasing, translation, and analysis of classic texts.

7. Moral and Ethical Education

   Quintilian underlines the importance of instilling moral and ethical principles in the education of an orator, ensuring that their character aligns with the responsibilities of persuasive speech.

8. Reading and Recitation

   He discusses the practice of reading and reciting aloud, emphasizing the importance of clear articulation and pronunciation in oratory.

Overall, the second book of "Institutio Oratoria" focuses on the early stages of education for aspiring orators, providing guidance on selecting teachers, developing language skills, nurturing character, and establishing a strong foundation in literature and rhetorical techniques. It continues to stress the ethical and moral dimensions of oratory, which Quintilian believed were essential for the ideal orator.

Book 11

The Eleventh book of Quintilian's "Institutio Oratoria" primarily focuses on various advanced aspects of oratory and rhetoric. It provides insights and guidance for orators who have already received a substantial education in the art of speaking and aims to refine their skills. Here are the key points covered in this book:

1. The Nature of Style

   Quintilian discusses the importance of style in oratory, emphasizing that it should be clear, appropriate, and adapted to the subject matter and audience. He delves into various stylistic elements and their use in persuasive speech.

2. The Power of Expression

   He explores the power of words and expressions in conveying emotions, ideas, and arguments effectively. Quintilian provides guidance on how to use expressions to influence and engage the audience.

3. Figures of Speech

   Quintilian covers a wide range of rhetorical figures and devices, explaining how they can be employed to enhance the impact of an orator's discourse. These figures include metaphors, similes, hyperbole, and more.

4. Delivery and Gesture

   The book discusses the importance of effective delivery and gestures during a speech. Quintilian emphasizes that the orator should use their body and voice to complement their words and convey conviction.

5. Imitation and Originality

   Quintilian touches on the balance between imitating the works of great orators and developing one's unique style. He advises orators to study the classics but not become mere imitators.

The Eleventh book of "Institutio Oratoria" is a culmination of Quintilian's teachings, focusing on the artistry of oratory and the advanced techniques and principles that lead to persuasive and eloquent speech.

Book 12

The Twelfth book of Quintilian's "Institutio Oratoria" serves as the conclusion of his comprehensive work on the education and training of orators. It offers final insights and guidance for orators who have already received extensive training and are ready to apply their skills in the real world. Here are the key points covered in this book:

1. Preparation for Speaking

   Quintilian discusses the importance of thorough preparation before delivering a speech. He advises orators to research their topics, understand their audience, and anticipate potential challenges.

2. Addressing Specific Audiences

   He emphasizes the need for adapting one's oratory to specific audiences and circumstances. Different situations may require different styles and approaches.

3. Handling Legal Cases

   Quintilian provides guidance on handling legal cases, including the structure of legal speeches, the presentation of evidence, and effective argumentation in court.

4. Oratorical Ethics

   He continues to stress the ethical dimensions of oratory, reminding orators of their responsibility to uphold truth and justice in their speeches.

5. The Orator's Character

   Quintilian discusses the importance of the orator's character, emphasizing that a good reputation and moral integrity are essential for earning trust and credibility with the audience.

The Twelfth book of "Institutio Oratoria" represents the practical application of the principles and techniques taught throughout the entire work. It focuses on the responsibilities and challenges faced by orators in various real-world situations, from addressing specific audiences to handling legal cases with integrity and skill.

Given that St. Augustine follows Quintilian in our history of rhetoric, you know what follows.