The Need for Rhetoric and Writing

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on rhetoric and writing.

Rhetoric

The art, theory, and practice of ethical communication that aims to persuade, inform, and foster understanding across diverse audiences.

Ethical art (of rhetoric)

Rhetoric as an ethical practice that begins with listening and seeks mutual understanding and nonviolent negotiation.

Rhetorical listening

Listening to understand others' views, establishing goodwill, and engaging with differing perspectives.

Parlor metaphor

Kenneth Burke’s image of entering a heated discussion late and listening first before contributing.

Put in your oar

Joining the conversation with your own voice after listening, using language and rhetorical strategies.

Two ears, one mouth

An expression reminding us to listen more than we speak.

Context in rhetorical thinking

Analyzing issues within historical, political, and cultural contexts, not just close readings.

Common ground

Shared understandings that allow dialogue to progress and lead to cooperative solutions.

Empathy

The ability to understand others' feelings and viewpoints; not necessarily agreement; practiced through thoughtful questions.

Be open to challenging conversations

Willingness to engage with differing views to exchange perspectives and seek understanding.

Echo chambers / filter bubbles

Silos where people only encounter like-minded views; breaking out is necessary for productive dialogue.

Giving credit

Acknowledging others' ideas or words through citations or references to build credibility.

Analysis and synthesis

Researching, analyzing, and combining information to form informed, well-supported positions.

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups with interests in an issue whose arguments shape the discourse.

CRT (Critical Race Theory)

A legal studies-origin theory about race and law; debated in public discourse; requires exploring contexts and multiple perspectives.

Ethical use of language

Using words carefully to persuade honestly, respectfully, and without manipulation.

Aristotle’s guidance

Advice to consider alternative viewpoints and counterarguments to strengthen arguments and resist unethical rhetoric.

Wayne Booth

Rhetoric as an ethical art; emphasized listening, mutual understanding, and audience awareness in persuasion.

Watson and Crick rhetorical analysis

Booth’s view that their Nature article used numerous rhetorical choices to engage a scientific audience, highlighting ethos and context.

Rhetorical thinking Habits of Mind

Listening attentively, considering multiple perspectives, doing homework, and synthesizing evidence.

Dylan Marron and empathy in dialogue

Demonstrates that empathy is not endorsement; listening and understanding differing views can reduce hostility.

Royster’s goal for rhetoric

To exchange perspectives, negotiate meaning, and create understanding to avoid violence and promote cooperation.

Misinformation vs legitimate information

The challenge of distinguishing credible information from misinformation in a media-saturated age.

Be imaginative

Using intuition and creativity to generate new ideas and engage others, as shown by Nova Thrasher’s research on inclusivity.

Credit vs citation

Informal verbal credit or formal citations; both connect ideas to their sources and build ethos.