ABSTRACT
Once the general form of the enthymeme as the syllogism of rhetoric is determined the next question which arises is the kind of subject-matter which is used by the rhetorical syllogisms in the development of an argument. In the Rhetoric, there is a clear emphasis placed upon eikos as something which is permanent and stable. The reason for the emphasis becomes manifest when one considers other Aristotelian statements: namely, that eikos offers ground for reasonable inference and can be known. In his analysis of eikos Aristotle validates probable truth and reasoning from probable sources: there is another way to apprehend that which is. It is not the way of first philosophy which works through absolute, unconditioned, and necessary principles to certain knowledge and certain truth. Aristotle in his topical methodology combined both of the elements just mentioned. His dominant concern in the topical method appears to be that of problem thinking, but thinking informed by intelligent procedure.
