Aristotle and the Great Question of Socrates

So, my reading question for Friday is this: How did this evolution of rational thought come about, from one philosopher to the next?

Possibly Socrates and at the very least Plato had some very clear and non-negotiable ideas about what rhetoric was and what it meant. How did Aristotle rationalize himself so far from his mentors?

If nothing else, is't it cool how they were learning and discovering at a time when it was still socially acceptable to out argue your professor in public and gain recognition for your discovery? I like it.