Final answer:
Aristotle critiqued sophistry for treating political science as mere rhetoric, focusing on persuasion over truth, which undermines the philosophical pursuit of deeper understanding in ethics and politics. The correct option is C) political science; rhetoric
Step-by-step explanation:
In Aristotle's view, what's wrong with sophistry is that it treats political science as rhetoric. Sophistry, as critiqued by Aristotle, is the practice of using argumentation and persuasion techniques to sway public opinion, often with little regard for truth or philosophical reasoning. Aristotle, in contrast to the sophists, believed in the importance of rational discourse and the pursuit of truth within the realm of politics and ethics.
The sophists prioritized the art of persuasion over the discovery of truth, which for Aristotle undermines the very purpose of philosophy. Therefore, it can be understood that sophistry, in its focus on the superficial aspects of rhetoric, deviates from the philosophical inquiry that aims to explore and understand deeper ethical and political truths.
Given the importance of social relations for rational and virtuous development, Aristotle's critique of sophistry serves as a reminder of the value of sincerity and genuine understanding in public discourse and the danger of mere rhetorical influence without ethical substance.