In Ancient Greece, oratory, the ability to conduct a conversation, defend one's point of view and persuade opponents was highly valued. It is no coincidence that many of the terms related to the art of arguing and polemics are of Greek origin. One such term is eristics. What is it?
Where did the word "eristics" come from?
Translated from the ancient Greek language, "eristics tekne" means "the art of arguing", and "eristikos" means "arguing". That is, eristics is the ability to argue, to conduct disputes with opponents.
It would seem that there is nothing wrong with such a definition, because everyone has the right to their point of view, beliefs, and, accordingly, the right to dispute on any issue of interest to him. However, for example, the great scientist and philosopher Aristotle disapproved of eristics, calling it the art of arguing by dishonest means. Why?
The fact is that initially the adherents of eristics set their main goal to achieve victory in the dispute, convincing the opponent of the weight of their arguments, but over time their behavior has completely changed. Now they tried not so much to convince the opponent that they were right (which is understandable and natural), but to achieve victory in any way, regardless of whose arguments, arguments look more plausible. At the same time, they did not disdain even unworthy methods: lying, conducting an argument in a raised voice, going personal.
It is no coincidence that the word "eristikos" means not only "arguing", but also "grumpy".
The disintegration of eristics into dialectics and sophistry
Gradually, two philosophical trends spun off from eristics: dialectics and sophistry. The term "dialectics" was first used by the famous philosopher Socrates, who used it to refer to the art of convincing opponents of their rightness through a general discussion of the issue, problem and careful consideration of all arguments, taking into account the opinions of each of the parties.
"Sophistry" meant achieving victory in a dispute through the use of arguments, statements that look absurd and violate all the laws of logic, but at a shallow, hasty consideration might seem true.
Aristotle actually equated eristics with sophistry.
A further development of Aristotle's views on this problem were the works of Arthur Schopenhauer. This famous philosopher called eristics spiritual swordsmanship with the sole purpose of staying right.
At present, demagoguery can be considered the most similar to eristics. After all, the demagogue's basic goal is exactly the same: to convince him of his righteousness, not disdaining lies and other unworthy methods.