In view of Aristotle's remarks about requiring different kinds of proof in different subjects, the critical reader must make judgments about the quality of proof offered for a position. The four realms of knowledge, in decreasing order of certitude, include mathematics, empirical science, rhetoric (values, ethics, politics), and myth, or literature; each has its characteristic subject matter and methodology. Six questions for the realm of rhetoric include (1) Which assertions require evidence? (2) What kind of evidence is offered? (3) What is the character of the implied author? (4) What is the character of the implied audience? (5) What is the author's tone? and (6) How are the various parts of the essay related to one another? This list covers essential elements of logical, ethical, and emotional appeal, and can be applied to any essay within the domain of rhetoric. (DF)