épideictique

Epidictic, also known as demonstrative rhetoric, is one of the three classical branches of oratory described by Aristotle. Its primary purpose is to praise or blame, to celebrate or condemn. Unlike forensic rhetoric, which deals with past actions, or deliberative rhetoric, which concerns future actions, epidictic rhetoric focuses on the present, often at ceremonies, funerals, or public celebrations.

The aim of epidictic oratory is not necessarily to persuade the audience to take action, but rather to reinforce or shape their values and attitudes. By presenting a subject (a person, event, or object) in a favorable or unfavorable light, the speaker seeks to affirm shared beliefs and common understandings within the community. Speeches of praise, such as eulogies or commendations, and speeches of blame, like indictments or condemnations, fall under this category.

Epidictic rhetoric often employs vivid language, emotional appeals, and appeals to shared cultural norms. It relies heavily on established virtues and vices, appealing to the audience's sense of what is honorable or dishonorable, good or bad. While it may seem less practical than other forms of rhetoric, its role in solidifying social bonds and reinforcing collective identity is significant. It plays a crucial part in memorializing the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the moral landscape of a society.