Week of September 15 Tuesday Post

In the Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students Quintilian’s list of four types of premises that can be regarded as certain are listed when generally discussing premise. Although Quintilian regards his four premises as certain, I contrastingly believe that none of which he listed can be argued as certain.

            First, Quintilian denotes that “those that involved things perceived by the senses” can be regarded as certain. If the discussion is in regards to the five senses of smell, taste, sound, touch, and sight then Quintilian could not be more wrong about certainty. Everyone perceives information in different manners. Prior to Quintilian’s four premises, the argument is made that “human behavior in general is predictable to some extent,” again I say no, simply because there is no such thing as general human behavior. If a person is relieved of one or two senses then they perceive information stronger through their remaining senses. Now, does this impair her or him or improve their perception? Perception cannot be perceived as a certainty because perception is extremely diverse.

            Quintilian continues by stating “those that involved things about which there is general agreement” can also be regarded as certain. Again, regardless of the topic, there is always going to be more than one side to an argument. Quintilian uses a child’s duty to love his or her parent as an example, but what if her or his parents are abusing this specific child. It may be a little difficult for this child to necessarily love his or her parents.

            Next, Quintilian believes “those that involved things that exist in law or in custom” are also certain. Sure Quintilian can argue the custom of punishing criminals, however you can also argue against punishment. Why can’t rehabilitation or retribution be solutions? Furthermore, law is a general essence that can be interpreted in numerous ways. When it comes to law there is always argument on what punishment should be look like for a certain crime, if any.

            On the other hand, I will agree with Quintilian on his final certainty of “those that are admitted by either party to the argument.” When the opposition rightfully admits being wrong or in favor of your argument then you have won the argument. It does not matter if you are generally right or wrong, so long as you persuade your opponent to favor or disbelieve their argument.