The Greeks believed that to be an orator, an individual had to be morally good. Comment on whether you agree or disagree. What, if any, is the connection between goodness, truth, and public communication?
I am so conflicted with this question! I would love to say yes, to be an orator, one should be morally good and speak the truth. In a speech, it would help to have good morals and a clear and accurate goal when presenting an idea. However, in politics, we hear so many versions of what the “truth” may be, we have to consider that some speakers aren’t presenting accurate information. This information can directly be tied to having poor morals. In example, Adolf Hitler was one of the most influential and powerful speakers in the world. His communication techniques were direct, firm, and confident. But who is to say he wasn’t morally good? I do not think he was, but the definition of “morally good” is up to the person defining it. Clearly the Nazis believed in the “truth” that Hiter was providing. I believe that the goodness, truth, and public communication all connect deeply. If the intention is good and the speaker is clear and confident, it is up to the audience to decide for themselves if the speaker is trustworthy. Some former politicians have great ideas and promises they make for a country, but they neglect certain truths that could trouble a society.
Lots of random thoughts, but hopefully you get my idea! ☺
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You brought up a very interesting point that I did not think of. In my blog I automatically said yes a person needs to be morally good and present the truth, not even thinking that a person’s ‘morally good’ is all dependent on who that person is. This is the same as ‘truth.’ As humans we all have our own ideas on what truth is and one person’s truth may not be the same as another persons. To me I feel as though people do need to speak and express the truth and a persons ability to express that truth is based upon their own moral goodness. But who is to say that one persons truth is wrong, such as the example you used of Hitler, and another person’s truth is correct. In reading this I feel as though I am not quite as sure of myself as I was when writing my blog, but at the same time I am glad I am examining this from a different light.
Persiangirl
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