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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.cite-ref-0-1-0[1] They are generally considered to be heuristic.cite-ref-0-1-1[1]

• Four traditional topics

• Expanded list of topics

• See also

• References

• External links

1. Past Fact (Circumstance)

2. Possible/Impossible (Possibility)

3. Future Fact (Circumstance)

4. Greater/Lesser (Comparison)

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

• Rhetoric (Aristotle)

cite-note-0-11. ↑ citerefquandahl1986Quandahl, Ellen (1986). "Aristotle's Rhetoric: Reinterpreting Invention". Rhetoric Review. 4 (2): 128–137. JSTOR 466031.

• Common Topics (course handout)