In classical rhetoric, the Common Topics (koinoi topoi)were a short list of four traditional topics regarded as suitable to structure an argument.

In Aristotle's Rhetoric, the common topics are discussed in Book II. They are generally considered to be heuristic.

Four traditional topics Past Fact (Circumstance) Possible/Impossible (Possibility) Future Fact (Circumstance) Greater/Lesser (Comparison)

Expanded list of topics

Edward P.J. Corbett and Robert J. Connors expanded the list in their 1971 book Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student to include:

Definition genus / division / species etymology description definition example synonyms Comparison similarity difference degree Circumstance cause and effect timing Relationship contraries exclusion

Testimony statistics maxims law precedents personal example historical example authoritative quotes

See also Rhetoric (Aristotle)

References

External links Common Topics (course handout)