Epexegesis (ep-ex-e-ge’-sis): When one interprets what one has just said. A kind of redefinition or self-interpretation (often signaled by constructions such as “that is to say. . .”).
There is nothing more important than the truth. That is, the truth is rooted in fact, and facts are real. If we ignore the truth under any circumstances, we risk far more than the small effect of a menial once-told lie. That is to say, truth keeps us from harm. Errors are to be expected, but once told, the truth must stand until a good reason is brought to bear that will motivate “us” to reject it.
I use the term “us” with a cautionary note: some other “us” is “them” to “us,” as far as “they” may not be willing at act upon what “we” take to be self-evidently true. That is, truth must be believed to be acted upon: where belief is lacking , a given “truth” has no status as such–as a motive to action it is void.
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Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).
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