In Cicero's rhetoric, what is the term for "argument"?

The term "argument" in Cicero's rhetoric is represented by the word "argumentum." This term is derived from the Latin root that conveys the concept of providing reasons or supporting statements in logical or persuasive discourse. In the context of Cicero's work, argumentum is essential in developing speeches that aim to persuade the audience through reasoned discourse, making it a foundational element of rhetoric.

"Cogitatio" refers to thought or contemplation, which is related to the mental process of reasoning but does not specifically denote an argument. "Assertio" translates to assertion or declaration, which implies stating a fact or opinion but lacks the comprehensive nuance of constructing an argument. "Disputatio," while it can mean a debate or discussion, focuses more on the act of disputing rather than the structured logical reasoning that an argument represents. Therefore, argumentum most accurately encapsulates what an argument entails in Cicero’s rhetorical framework.